If a member of your family is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you are naturally concerned, in the first instance, about the person affected by this disease. Later, however, other concerns will often also start to play on your mind. Is it hereditary? Will I get it too? Can I do anything to reduce the risk?
At iGene we deal with heredity and prevention on a daily basis and help you find answers to these kinds of questions.
Ovarian cancer (ovarian carcinoma) is a malignant tumour on one or both ovaries. More than 1,200 women are affected by this disease every year, most of whom are over the age of 50. There are three forms of ovarian cancer, of which epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common. To begin with there are usually few symptoms, which means the disease is often only diagnosed at a late stage. Consequently, prognoses are poor.
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Genetic predisposition to ovarian cancer
Your personal risk of ovarian cancer depends on various factors. One of these is your DNA, but environmental factors and lifestyle also play a role, for example. To make a statement about your genetic predisposition, we examine mutations (changes or errors) in your DNA.
High-risk genes and ovarian cancer: not in the iGene DNA Passport
In around 5 to 10% of all cases of breast and ovarian cancer there is a relatively rare mutation in a high-risk gene. Known high-risk genes are BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2. These genes are involved in repairing damaged DNA and in eliminating DNA that cannot be repaired. They are also referred to as tumour-suppressor genes.
At iGene we make no statements about potential mutations in the BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 gene. A mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene is present in 1 in 400 people and significantly increases the risk of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer. Although mutations in these high-risk genes are relatively rare, the same cannot be said if a number of first-degree relatives have developed cancer at a particularly young age within your family; the risk that you carry such a mutation is then much higher. In such a situation it is advisable to consult your doctor. He or she will assess whether you are eligible for a genetic test by a clinical geneticist. The clinical geneticist will perform a complete genetic test (if there are sufficient indications) and provide appropriate support.
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Preventing ovarian cancer
Scientists are finding out more and more about ways to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. That means you can take steps yourself to prevent ovarian cancer. iGene can help by sharing relevant scientific information with you.
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Want to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer?
An iGene Passport allows you to see straight away whether you have an increased or reduced risk of a large number of hereditary conditions, including ovarian cancer. If it becomes apparent that you are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer, you will also receive targeted information on how to reduce this risk.
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A healthy lifestyle thanks to your iGene Passport
For as long as you are using iGene you will continue to receive information based on the latest scientific insights. That means that if important discoveries are made in the future that will help you take even more effective steps to prevent ovarian cancer, you will be able to benefit from them straight away.