Genetics & Ovarian Cancer

Did you know? … Any person with a personal or a family history of ovarian cancer should be offered genetic counseling and testing.

Up to 20% of women with ovarian cancer have an inherited mutation that caused the ovarian cancer.

Ideally, the first person tested in a family is the person who had the cancer, but if that person has passed away, or is not interested in testing, then their close relatives can have testing.

There are a lot of different gene mutations that can contribute to ovarian cancer risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are the most common hereditary cause of ovarian cancer, but there are over 20 other genes that can also contribute to ovarian cancer risk.

Fewer than 20% of women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer who meet criteria for testing have undergone genetic testing.

Identifying inherited mutations can direct cancer treatment, alter screening and surgery decision-making, and provide life-saving information for the patient and their relatives.

Genetic testing can be complicated! Meeting with a genetic counselor ensures that you have a good understanding of what the testing can and cannot tell you, so you can make an informed decision about genetic testing.  A counselor will also help to interpret your test results and explain them to you in a way that you can understand.

Who Should Have Genetic Counseling and Testing?

If you or any close family members have any of the following:

  • Breast cancer at or before age 45
  • Ovarian cancer at ANY age
  • Metastatic prostate cancer
  • Triple negative breast cancer at or before age 50
  • 2 or more family members (on the same side) with breast cancer with one diagnosed before age 50
  • 3 or more family members (on the same side) with breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer at any age
  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a history of breast or ovarian or pancreatic cancer
  • A known genetic mutation in the family

Learn More About Genetics

What to know for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – Color Genomics“What to know for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month”

Posted on September 24, 2018 for color genomics, this article is written by Genetic Counselor, Stephanie Goettl.  In it she discusses how genes impact ovarian cancer risk, and who should consider genetic testing.

CLICK HERE to give it a read!

FORCE:  Improving the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancer
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Learn about gene changes called mutations, how inherited mutations can lead to cancer, and what types of cancer may be hereditary and how parents can pass gene mutations to their children.

Also, explore information about the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and review expert guidelines regarding who should consider genetic testing.

Genetic Counseling & Testing in Arizona

BANNER MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
2940 E. Banner Gateway Drive, Suite 375
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Ph: (480) 256-4363

BANNER – UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER PHOENIX
1111 E McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Ph: (602) 521-3818
F: (602) 839-6000

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CANCER CENTER AT DIGNITY HEALTH
625 N. 6th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Ph: (602) 406-8222
F: (602) 230-6447

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CANCER CENTER – TUCSON
3838 N. Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ 85719
Scheduling Ph: (520) 694-2873
F: (520) 694-0804

VIRGINIA G. PIPER CANCER CENTER AT HONOR HEALTH
10460 N. 92nd Street, Suite 300
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Ph: (480) 323-1231
F: (480) 323-1232

MAYO CLINIC DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL GENOMICS
5881 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Ph: (480) 342-6263

IRONWOOD CANCER & RESEARCH CENTERS
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Ph: (480) 314-6670
F: 480-257-1997

LIVE OUTSIDE OF ARIZONA?
Find a genetic counselor near you by visiting www.FindAGeneticCounselor.com

GENETIC COUNSELORS FOR OTHER HEREDITARY SYNDROMES
Phoenix Genetics
P: 602-933-4363
F: 602-933-2466