Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer: A Literature Review

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the third type of gynecologic cancer in terms of prevalence after cervical and uterine
cancer. The disease is known as the silent killer as it is slowly spread without a diagnosis, which leads to
the worst prognosis and high mortality rate. Libya shows low disease incidence while the high mortality
rate is seen in developed countries due to a lack of proper diagnostic and treatment options. This research
aims to understand the various risk factors of ovarian cancer described in literature. Based on the literature
review related to various factors which are the demographic, reproductive history, hormonal factors, genetic
factors, lifestyle such as diet and BMI. Various controversial in literature exist on the effect of these factors
and their association with risk factors.