Does ovarian cancer become more likely as you get older?

Seek advice if you have new symptoms that don’t go away

- By Camilla Foster

Seek advice if you have new symptoms that don't go away

Ahead of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March, Professor Christina Fotopoulou, consultant gynaecologist at King Edward VII's Hospital, explains how the risk of ovarian cancer can change as we get older.

What causes ovarian cancer and how does age play into this?

Ovarian cancer is when abnormal cells in the ovary, fallopian tube or peritoneum grow and divide in an uncontrolled way forming a tumour, according to Cancer Research UK's website.

At what age do cases of ovarian cancer tend to peak?

The risk of ovarian cancer increases steeply from around 45-years-old and is greatest in those aged between 75 and 79-years-old.

"Over half the cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed when patients are aged over 65," says Prof Fotopoulou.

Is it possible to get ovarian cancer under 50?