OVARIAN CANCER
GENETICS
Family history: Women with a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt who has had ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Genetic mutations: Some women who develop ovarian cancer have an inherited mutation on one of two genes called breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). Women with the BRCA1 mutation have a 35 to 70 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer. Women with the BRCA2 mutation have a 10 to 30 percent higher risk. However, the vast majority of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer don’t have either mutation. If you are concerned about this risk factor for ovarian cancer, discuss getting tested for both BRCA mutations with your OB-GYN or a gynecologic oncologist.
Lynch syndrome and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: Women who have these inherited genetic disorders have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Lynch syndrome is characterized by a higher risk of cancers of the digestive tract, gynecologic tract and other organs. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome indicates an increased risk of developing polyps in the digestive tract and several types of cancer, including in the breast, colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach, testicles, ovaries, lungs and cervix.
PREVIOUS CONDITIONS
Breast, colorectal or endometrial cancer: Women who have been diagnosed with these cancers have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.