ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour from ovarians and one of the most common cancers in the female reproductive system. Although the specific causes of ovarian cancer are not yet fully identified, scientific research indicates that it usually occurs as a result of a combination of factors, including genetic factors, hormone levels, lifestyles and environmental factors. This paper will provide detailed information on the causes of ovarian cancer and help to better understand the mechanisms for its occurrence.
I. Mechanisms for ovarian cancer formation
The occurrence of ovarian cancer is usually associated with the abnormal growth of ovarian cells. The ovaries are the two main reproductive glands in the female body and are responsible for the generation of eggs and endocrine hormones (e.g. estrogen, gestational hormones). Cancer of the ovarian ovaries is defined as the ovarian cell that undergoes a malignant transformation, rapidly dividing, breeding and violating the surrounding tissue. Normal ovarian cells use certain mechanisms for cytological cycling and self-rehabilitation, but when problems arise with these mechanisms, they can lead to cell gene mutations and abnormal growth, thus developing into cancer.
II. Genetic factors
1. BRCA gene mutation
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two genes known to be closely related to ovarian cancer. Normally, these genes help to repair DNA damage and prevent the accumulation of mutation. However, when these genes mutate, DNA repair mechanisms fail, increasing the risk of cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer has increased significantly among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
According to statistics, women with a BRCA1 mutation are at a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of 40 to 60 per cent, while women with a BRCA2 mutation are at a risk of ovarian cancer of 10 to 30 per cent. As a result, carriers of genetic mutation at BRCA are usually recommended for regular screening or for preventive measures such as preventive ovarian removal.
Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome is a genetic disease that usually leads to colon cancer, uterine and ovarian cancer. Lynch syndrome is the result of mutations in genes that repair DNA errors, such as MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6. The risk of ovarian cancer among women with Lynch syndrome is much higher than among the general population, at about 10 to 20 per cent.
Hormonal factors
estrogen level
Estrogen is one of the main sexual hormones in women and is essential for the proper functioning of ovaries. Long-term high estrogen exposure is an important risk factor for ovarian cancer. Excessive estrogen irritation can lead to ovarian cell growth, increasing the risk of cancer.
Estrogen levels are usually closely related to the physiological processes of menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, etc. of women. During the reproductive period between adolescence and menopausal years, women have higher levels of estrogens in their bodies, while after menopausal periods, estrogen levels have gradually decreased. Early menstruation, advanced menstruation, unpregnancy or non-lactation women have been found to have long-term exposure to higher levels of estrogen, which may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
2. Hormonal substitution treatment (HRT)
Some women may receive hormonal substitution therapy (HRT) during menopausal periods to alleviate menopause symptoms. However, the long-term use of HRT, especially the combination of estrogen and sterogen, may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. While hormonal substitution treatment can alleviate some menopause symptoms, caution is needed for long-term use, especially for women with family history of ovarian cancer or other high-risk factors.
Fertility and contraception
1. Fertility history
The reproductive history is linked to the risk of ovarian cancer. Research shows that women who have not given birth or have not been pregnant are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. Pregnancy reduces the incidence of ovarian cancer, which may be related to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy. Changes in hormonal levels in the body at the time of pregnancy, in particular the increase in gestation hormones, may have a protective effect on ovarian cells and reduce their chances of cancer.
Contraceptive pill
The long-term use of synthetic hormones in oral contraceptives, such as estrogens and pregnancy hormones, has proven to significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. This is because the pill reduces the number of ovarian ovulations and thus the growth and change of ovarian cells. Women who use the pill are at a lower risk of ovarian cancer, especially when it is used for more than five years, and the role of protection is more pronounced.
Lifestyle and environmental factors
1. Smoking and drinking
Smoking and alcohol consumption are known to be a risk factor for many cancers, including ovarian cancer. Smoking is not only harmful to the lungs, but can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer by affecting the immune system and hormone levels in the body. In addition, overdrinking can lead to imbalances in hormonal levels in the body, indirectly increasing the incidence of ovarian cancer.
Obesity and diet
Obesity and unhealthy eating habits are also associated with ovarian cancer. Obesity can lead to higher estrogen levels in the body, especially among post-menopausal women, where fatty tissue is an important source of estrogen. Studies have found that overweight women are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer, especially among the obese abdomen. In addition, unhealthy eating habits such as high-fat diets and low-fibre diets may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
3. Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution, especially exposure to certain toxic chemicals, may also be associated with ovarian cancer. For example, certain agricultural chemicals, petroleum products and hazardous substances in industrial chemicals may cause long-term damage to ovarian tissues and increase the risk of cancer. Although research in this area is ongoing, there is some evidence that long-term exposure to these chemicals may be associated with ovarian cancer.
Concluding remarks
The occurrence of ovarian cancer is the result of a combination of multiple factors, including genetic susceptibility, hormone levels, lifestyle and environmental factors. Although some women have higher genetic risks, the causes of most ovarian cancers are not entirely genetic. Understanding the risk factors of ovarian cancer helps us to take preventive measures, such as genetic testing, regular screening, healthy diets, appropriate exercise, etc., to reduce the risk of disease and improve the quality of life. For high-risk groups, timely access to health care, early detection and appropriate prevention are essential.
