What type of cancer shows increased incidence with age in the female reproductive system?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Ovarian cancer is known to have a strong association with advancing age in the female reproductive system. The incidence of ovarian cancer significantly increases in women over the age of 50, particularly those who have gone through menopause. The risk factors for ovarian cancer include not only age but also family history, genetic predispositions (such as BRCA mutations), and personal history of breast or colorectal cancers.

This age-related increase in ovarian cancer is attributed to the changes in hormonal levels and genetic mutations that accumulate over time. In contrast, while uterine (endometrial) cancer can also occur more frequently in older women, particularly postmenopausal women, it is often linked to factors such as obesity and hormone replacement therapy rather than age alone. Cervical cancer, on the other hand, has more relevance to younger women due to the association with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, and vulvar cancer generally has a lower incidence overall compared to ovarian and uterine cancers.

Therefore, the significant rise in the incidence of ovarian cancer with age clearly distinguishes it as the correct answer to the question regarding cancers in the female reproductive system.

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