What affects ovarian cancer risk? Here's what you can—and can't—control.

When it comes to ovarian cancer, a lot of people ask the same question: Is there anything I can do to lower my risk? It's the 6th most common cause of cancer death among women in the United States, and, unlike some cancers, it has fewer known risk factors that you can actively change. Still, research suggests that certain factors, including body weight, smoking, and reproductive history, may influence your risk.

What are the established risk factors for ovarian cancer?

The main ones include:

• Age: risk increases after menopause
• Family history: a parent or sibling who has had ovarian or breast cancer
• Genetic factors: such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
• Endometriosis
• Never having given birth

These factors don't guarantee cancer, and many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer don't have any of the known risk factors.

Does weight influence risk?

Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of certain types of ovarian cancer, particularly pre-menopause. While the overall increase is modest, it's measurable. Obesity drives chronic inflammation, hormonal shifts, and insulin resistance, factors that may create an environment where cancer is more likely to develop. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the overall risk of ovarian cancer and several other cancers.

If you want a clearer picture of how your metabolic health may be affecting your risk, Function helps you measure markers such as Insulin, F-Glucose, and High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP).

Smoking risk

Smoking is a well-established carcinogen linked to several cancers, including certain subtypes of ovarian cancer, such as mucinous tumors. Toxins from cigarette smoke enter the bloodstream and have been shown to reach and damage ovarian cells, with studies on ovarian cancer cells suggesting this may promote conditions that favor tumor development.

Alcohol risk

Alcohol is a known carcinogen. Regular consumption is linked to an increased risk of liver, breast, colorectal, mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer.

The direct link between alcohol and ovarian cancer is less clear-cut than for some other cancers, but an increasing number of studies are suggesting that alcohol may contribute to it. This may involve an alcohol-induced increase in the hormone Estradiol, which can influence the development of hormone-dependent ovarian cancers.

The role of diet

No single food prevents cancer. But eating patterns that reduce inflammation may help manage overall cancer risk. Research into diet and ovarian cancer specifically is still developing.

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern—rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, and low in red meat—is consistently associated with lower overall cancer risk, reduced systemic inflammation, and better long-term health.

Protective factors linked to lower risk

Taking the combined oral contraceptive pill (containing Estrogen and Progesterone) is linked to a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, particularly with longer-term use. The pill suppresses ovulation, the monthly release of an egg. According to the "incessant ovulation" theory, this repeated cycle of damage and repair to the ovarian surface increases the chance of cancerous changes over time. Because of this, the protective effect of the pill can persist for years after stopping. Pregnancy also reduces the total number of ovulation cycles over a lifetime.

What you can do

Know the symptoms

There's currently no routine screening program for ovarian cancer in the United States. That makes knowing the potential symptoms important. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following, especially if they're new, persistent, or happening frequently:

• Persistent bloating
• Stomach or pelvic pain
• Appetite changes or unexplained weight loss
• More frequent or urgent urination
• Fatigue
• Unusual vaginal bleeding, including between periods or after menopause

Learn your baseline

The earlier you spot signs that something may be changing, the more options you may have. Function gives you access to 160+ lab tests and MRIs (for an additional cost) that can help you establish your baseline–and check your health every year.

Lab tests show what's circulating in your blood—inflammation, hormone levels, metabolic health, and more. MRIs show what's inside your body—organs, tissues, and structural changes. The MRIs scan for signs of cancer, including in the ovaries, and hundreds of other conditions. Together, they're a more complete view of your health that can help you know sooner and act faster.