Is the cause of ovarian cancer known?

The cause of ovarian cancer is not completely known. However, research has identified certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer. Factors associated with increased risk include genetic mutations (such as those seen in BRCA1 and BRCA2), age (most cases occur in women over 50 years old), obesity, having a history of infertility treatments or hormone therapy, having endometriosis, smoking tobacco products and being exposed to secondhand smoke, drinking alcohol regularly, exposure to certain chemicals like asbestos, and long-term use of certain medications such as talc powder or dry-cleaning solvents. It is important to note that these risk factors do not necessarily mean someone will develop ovarian cancer; they simply suggest an increased likelihood for its development. In addition to this list of potential risks there are many other variables involved in the causes behind different forms of ovarian cancers which are still being studied by scientists around the world today.