A risk factor [2] is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

Because fallopian tube cancer is so rare, not much is known about the risk factors. However, the following factors may raise a woman’s risk of developing fallopian tube cancer:

Age. Fallopian tube cancer occurs mostly in postmenopausal women in their 50s and 60s.

Family history. A family history of fallopian tube cancer can increase a woman’s risk of developing this cancer.

Genetic mutations. Recent studies have suggested that a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, which is linked to breast and ovarian cancer, may also increase the risk of developing fallopian tube cancer. Learn more about BRCA gene mutations and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer [3].

Because there are no certain risk factors for fallopian tube cancer, there is no known way to prevent the disease.