If ovarian cancer runs in your family, discussing your risk with a healthcare provider is a necessity. Knowing your risk factors not only informs potential screening strategies, but also guides decisions around preventive measures and testing.
Ovarian cancer can be a challenging disease to detect early because symptoms are often vague or easily mistaken for everyday health issues. For many women, understanding personal and family medical history is one of the most powerful tools in assessing risk. While some ovarian cancer cases are not inherited, research shows that up to 25% of cases are linked to genetic mutations passed through families.
Why Family History Matters
Family history is a roadmap for understanding potential inherited risks. If multiple family members—especially close relatives—have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or other related cancers, this may suggest hereditary cancer syndrome.
For example, studies indicate that individuals with a family history of ovarian cancer have a higher likelihood of carrying mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or mismatch repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome.
Recognizing these risks early is key. Identifying a hereditary cancer syndrome can allow healthcare providers to tailor screening schedules, preventive strategies, and counseling to each person’s unique risk profile.
Key Genetic Syndromes Linked to Ovarian Cancer
Understanding these major hereditary syndromes can help you ask the right questions at your next checkup.
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome
HBOC is caused by mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Individuals with these mutations face a significantly increased risk of ovarian and breast cancers. Research shows women with BRCA mutations may have up to a 41% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer.
- Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome primarily increases the risk for colorectal and endometrial cancers, but it also raises ovarian cancer risk. Women with this syndrome may have a 14–17% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, which is much higher than the general population.
RELATED: What is Lynch Syndrome & How Can it Impact My Life?
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re concerned about ovarian cancer based on your family history, bringing a set of targeted questions to your next checkup can help guide the conversation. Preparing ahead allows you to make the most of your appointment, ensures you don’t overlook important details, and helps your provider give personalized advice. Here are nine questions to get you started.
- Should I consider genetic testing?
Genetic testing can identify mutations that elevate cancer risk. Your provider can determine if you meet criteria based on family history and other factors. - What are the benefits and limitations of genetic testing?
While testing can inform preventive strategies, it is important to understand its limits. A negative or inconclusive result does not always eliminate risk entirely. - What preventive measures are appropriate for me?
Options may include enhanced surveillance, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, preventive surgery. The right approach depends on your genetic risk and personal circumstances. - How often should I undergo screenings?
Even for high-risk individuals, routine ovarian cancer screening is complex. Your provider can create a schedule specifically for your risk profile. - Should I share my results with family members?
Genetic information can be important for relatives who might also be at risk. Discussing results with your family can help them consider testing or preventive measures. - Are there lifestyle changes that can help lower my risk?
Diet, exercise, and reproductive choices can sometimes influence ovarian cancer risk. Your provider can advise on evidence-based strategies. - What signs or symptoms should prompt me to seek medical attention immediately?
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle. Knowing what to watch for can support timely evaluation. - Are there clinical trials or research studies I might be eligible for?
Participation in research can provide access to cutting-edge preventive or treatment options and contribute to medical knowledge. - How does my age or reproductive history affect my risk?
Factors like age at first menstruation, number of pregnancies, and menopause timing can influence risk, which may guide screening recommendations.
Take Action for Yourself and Your Family
Your family history is more than just a record; it’s a guide to understanding your own health. Talking openly with your healthcare provider about the cancers that have affected your relatives and keeping a clear, detailed family medical history will help you identify potential risks early, make informed decisions about screenings and preventive measures, and take control of your health with confidence.
If you have Lynch syndrome or a family history of related cancers, understanding your cancer risk is essential. Explore our resources to learn more about Lynch syndrome and get the information you need to make confident decisions about your health.
