Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a known risk factor for endometrial cancer, but its role in ovarian cancer risk is less clear. Some studies have linked PCOS with a higher risk of ovarian cancer, while others haven’t.

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to physical changes, metabolic issues, and infertility. It can also cause cysts to develop on the ovaries.

A PCOS diagnosis is linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer. It may increase the risk of other cancers as well.

Generally speaking, evidence of a link between PCOS and ovarian cancer is mixed. This article reviews what we know about PCOS and ovarian cancer so far.

PCOS isn’t typically mentioned as a risk factor for ovarian cancer. In fact, a lot of the research into the link between these two conditions has been mixed.

For example, the results of a 2019 cohort study and a 2022 meta-analysis suggest that PCOS is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. But a 2024 analysis of over 15 million people in the National Inpatient Sample found no link between a diagnosis of PCOS and a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

In addition, although a 2023 cohort study in Denmark found no association between PCOS and overall ovarian cancer risk, a further analysis suggested that the risk of ovarian cancer was elevated in those postmenopause.

The same study also linked PCOS with a higher risk of serous borderline ovarian tumors. These are ovarian tumors that contain atypical cells but that aren’t yet invasive.

So, whether or not PCOS increases ovarian cancer risk is unclear. It’s also possible that only certain groups, such as those postmenopause, are at higher risk. Overall, more research is needed.

Having PCOS is a known risk factor for endometrial cancer. This is a type of uterine cancer that develops in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).

Some research suggests that those with PCOS may have up to five times the risk of endometrial cancer compared with those without PCOS. The risk of endometrial cancer appears to be higher in those premenopause.

Additionally, some researchers have found a link between a history of PCOS and a higher risk of breast cancer. That said, the results of other studies haven’t supported this.

One 2022 case-control study found an association between PCOS and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. But additional research is needed to help confirm this result.

Now that we’ve gone over PCOS and the risk of ovarian cancer, let’s cover the known risk factors for both conditions.

Risk factors for PCOS

Although PCOS can develop any time after puberty, most people get their diagnosis in their 20s or 30s when they contact their doctor for fertility issues. Researchers have estimated that 5.2% of females in the United States have PCOS.

PCOS can run in families. Because of this, you may be at higher risk of PCOS if another female in your family — such as your mother, a sister, or an aunt — has it.

Obesity, particularly during adolescence, is also linked with an increased risk of PCOS.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer

Researchers estimate that there will be 20,890 new diagnoses of ovarian cancer in the United States in 2025. Although it’s not a common cancer, it’s the sixth leading cause of cancer death for females in the United States.

Doctors most commonly diagnose ovarian cancer in older people and rarely diagnose it in those under the age of 40 years. In fact, about half of ovarian cancer diagnoses are in people ages 63 years and over.

In addition to older age, other risk factors for ovarian cancer include:

As well as being aware of your risk factors, it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of PCOS and ovarian cancer. We discuss these below.

Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS can cause a variety of signs and symptoms that are manageable with timely diagnosis and treatment. So, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor if you notice any of the following:

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Early stage ovarian cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Generally speaking, symptoms of ovarian cancer typically develop after the cancer has already spread.

Further symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Many ovarian cancer symptoms mimic those of other, more common noncancerous conditions. So, it’s always a good rule of thumb to visit a doctor if your symptoms are persistent or very different from what’s typical for you.

PCOS can lead to infertility as well as physical and metabolic changes. It’s a known risk factor for endometrial cancer.

The link between PCOS and ovarian cancer risk is less clear. Results from research studies have been mixed. It’s possible that PCOS could increase the risk of ovarian cancer in certain groups, such as those postmenopause.

Ovarian cancer symptoms can resemble those of other conditions. If you have unexplained and persistent bloating, pelvic pain, and difficulty eating, it’s best to contact a doctor. They can do tests to see what’s causing your symptoms.