There is a much higher incidence of ovarian cancer in industrialized countries. Ovarian cancer can occur in any age group, but it is most common in postmenopausal women with an average age of 59. The most important risk factor is a family history of ovarian cancer. In some families ovarian and breast cancers occur more often than might normally be expected. When cancers occur before the age of 50, it is possible that these women are genetically predisposed to develop the cancers. Recently, an abnormality has been identified on chromosome 17 that is responsible for this increased risk. Not everyone with the genetic alteration will develop a cancer, but a high proportion of women will. Fortunately, only 5 percent of all ovarian cancers are associated with this genetic alteration.
Suggested management requires a detailed assessment of your family and verification of the cancers by requesting copies of the pathology reports from those affected. It may be possible to do genetic testing on the family to determine if there is a genetic abnormality. This testing and evaluation is best done by physicians experienced and knowledgeable about genetics and its relationship to cancer. In addition, you may want to ask for some counseling about whether you wish to have this information. Not all family members may want to know. Certainly, any genetic information about you must be kept strictly confidential. Those who test positive for the gene alteration may wish to have their ovaries and uterus removed to prevent ovarian cancer. Others may wish to be screened to detect the cancer as early as possible. Either decision requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure. Not everyone who has their ovaries removed
