About Hereditary Ovarian Cancer
Hereditary ovarian cancer is a type of ovarian cancer caused by gene changes passed down from parents to their children. These gene changes, called mutations (permanent changes in DNA), increase the risk of ovarian cancer and often lead to cancer at an earlier age, compared to cases that are not passed down in families. Hereditary ovarian cancer makes up about 10-25% of all ovarian cancer cases, while most cases happen by chance and do not run in families.
The most common gene mutations linked to hereditary ovarian cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2 (short for Breast Cancer genes 1 and 2). Women with these mutations have a higher chance of developing ovarian and breast cancers, as well as pancreatic cancer. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or are concerned about your risk, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional or genetic counselor for advice.
Hereditary ovarian cancer is mainly caused by gene changes passed down in families, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These gene changes can stop the genes from working correctly. Normally, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes help fix damaged DNA. When these genes don’t work properly, cells can build up more changes over time, which may lead to cancer.
The non-modifiable risk factors of hereditary ovarian cancer, which are factors that cannot be changed or controlled to lower the chances of getting the disease, include:
- Personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or certain other cancers
- Gene changes passed down in families: Specific gene changes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Lynch syndrome: A genetic condition passed down in families that increases the risk of certain cancers
The modifiable risk factors of hereditary ovarian cancer can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Smoking: Not smoking or quitting if you smoke can help lower the risk.
- Alcohol use: Drinking less alcohol may lower the risk.
- Physical inactivity: Getting regular exercise can help.
- Unhealthy diet: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and eating less fried or fatty foods, and avoiding packaged snacks or sugary drinks is helpful.
- Obesity: Keeping a healthy weight by staying active and eating a variety of healthy foods is important.
It's important to note that while some risk factors can be changed, while others cannot. It's always best to talk with a healthcare professional for advice that fits your needs.
The early symptoms of hereditary ovarian cancer can be hard to notice and may not show up at all in the beginning. When symptoms do appear, they are usually very general. The most common early symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain (pain in the lower belly area)
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Increased need to urinate
As hereditary ovarian cancer gets worse, more symptoms may appear. These symptoms can be different for each person, but commonly include:
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Back pain
- Pain during sex
- Changes in menstruation, such as heavy or irregular periods
- Unintentional weight loss (weight loss without trying)
- Upset stomach or constipation (difficulty with bowel movements)
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions, and having these symptoms doesn’t always mean its hereditary ovarian cancer. If you have ongoing or worrying symptoms, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
To diagnose hereditary ovarian cancer, the following exams, tests, and procedures are commonly performed:
- Medical history and physical exam: This includes talking about your personal and family medical history and a physical exam to check for any signs or symptoms.
- Pelvic exam: This exam checks the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum for any unusual signs or lumps.
- Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): This test uses soundwaves to create pictures of the ovaries and nearby organs to check for any lumps or cysts.
- CA-125 blood test: This blood test measures the levels of a protein called CA-125. High levels of CA-125 in the blood can be a sign of ovarian cancer, including hereditary types.
To find out how advanced hereditary ovarian cancer is, additional exams, tests, and procedures may include:
- Imaging scans: These may include a CT scan or MRI to take detailed pictures of the pelvis and abdomen. These scans can help check if cancer has spread to other areas.
- Surgical biopsy: In some cases, a surgical procedure called a biopsy may be done to remove a tissue sample from the ovaries or other affected areas. The sample is examined by a specialist (pathologist) to find out the grade (growth rate) and stage (extent) of the cancer.
- Genetic testing: For hereditary ovarian cancer, genetic testing may be recommended to find specific gene changes that increase the risk of developing this condition.
It's important to talk with your healthcare provider for advice on exams, tests, and procedures that are best for diagnosing and managing hereditary ovarian cancer.
The goals of treatment for hereditary ovarian cancer are to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer and improve health outcomes. Here are the recommended treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Genetic counseling: Genetic counseling can help identify people at high risk for hereditary ovarian cancer. This process helps people understand their risks and make informed decisions about steps they can take to prevent cancer.
- Risk-reducing interventions: Surgery is a common preventive strategy for people with hereditary ovarian cancer. This may involve removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes (called a salpingo-oophorectomy) to lower the chances of developing ovarian cancer.
- Chemoprevention: Some people may choose to take medications like birth control pills to reduce their risk. These medications can help lower the risk of ovarian cancer by controlling hormone levels.
- Regular monitoring and screening: Regular check-ups, pelvic exams, and imaging tests can help catch any changes or early signs of cancer. This allows for quick action and treatment if needed.
It's important to talk with a healthcare professional who specializes in hereditary ovarian cancer about these recommendations. They can give advice that fits your specific situation. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.