Can Genetics Be A Risk Factor For Ovarian Cancer ? Know From Doctor

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1 Can Genetics Be A Risk Factor For Ovarian Cancer ? Know From Doctor

Approximately 2 out of 10 women who develop ovarian cancer carry genes that put them at higher risk for the condition in comparison with the population as a whole. The most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer is an inherited genetic mutation in one of two genes: Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) or breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). It is mutations in these genes which are transmitted from parents to children that account for ten to fifteen percent of ovarian cancers. As these genes are linked to both breast and ovarian cancer, there is a high likelihood that women who have had breast cancer may be at a relatively high risk for ovarian cancer.

Genetics: Lynch Syndrome

Clearly, the most well-known genetic link to contracting ovarian cancer is a disease known as a hereditary nonpolyposis of the colon (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome). The Lynch syndrome has a capacity of elevating risk for ovarian cancer by means of MAH1, MSH2, and MSH6 gene mutations. For individuals with Lynch Syndrome, the lifetime risk of having ovarian cancer can be 12%. The condition can also result in uterine cancer, with around a 40-60% chance.

Other Genetic Signs

Scientists are identifying new genetic mutations related to the elevated life threatening risk of ovarian cancer with the aim of prevention. Different researches were associated with the finding of mutations in RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, PALB2, STK11, which all are a cause of a higher risk of having breast cancer.

Family History

Women can have a greater risk of having ovarian cancer if they have a grandmother, mother, daughter or a sister who have not been identified with any genetic mutation. The lifetime risk for a woman who has an immediate family member with ovarian cancer is 5 percent (the cancer with 1. 4 percent’s lifetime risk for an average woman).

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It may only involve a limited group of people, but hereditary is one of the major reasons for ovarian cancer. Family history may be the factor to be taken into account, and yet there could be some women without the family history who also have a genetic mutation which may lead to an ovarian cancer risk.

It is recommended that all women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer receive genetic counselling and have the option of genetic testing. A higher risk may be suggested by a family history of any of the following cancers: colorectal, ovarian, breast, or uterine.

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