Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

Family History Of Cancer

Between fifteen and twenty percent of all women who develop ovarian cancer have an existing family history of some form of cancer. This predisposition to ovarian cancer is the result of inheriting a faulty gene from their parents. The genes most associated with the development of familial ovarian cancer are the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genes. Mutations in these genes cause an individual to be at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These are not the only inherited genetic mutations associated with the development of ovarian cancer, as mutations in the SSTK11, HNPCC, RAD51C, BRIP1, and RAD51D genes are also closely related to this type of malignancy. Women who should be particularly concerned about ovarian cancer are those who have two or more cases of breast or ovarian cancer on either their father's or mother's side of the family. Individuals who meet these criteria can visit a genetic counselor who can advise on having certain genetic testing and assist with regular screening habits.