Ovarian Cancer

You’ve probably heard of the BRCA genes. You also might remember Angelina Jolie bringing BRCA to light in 2013, and her decision to have a double mastectomy. While BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are commonly thought of in association with breast cancer, it is not as widely known that these mutations, as well as others, can put women at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is among the top five causes of cancer death in women in the U.S. This is especially significant to me because my grandmother on my father’s side passed away from ovarian cancer at 49. Because she died at such a young age, I was never able to get to know my grandmother and her battle with cancer was difficult for my whole family. As I’ll explain in this post, my family history puts me at an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. However, it Is important for all women to be aware of this cancer as we are all at risk, so I’ve provided some information about ovarian cancer here:

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is usually caused by a tumor in the ovaries. In most cases, these tumors arise from mutations in genes that have accumulated throughout a woman’s life. Many of these mutations are in genes that are essential in controlling cell growth. When these genes get altered, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in a tumor. Most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic, meaning that the genetic mutations involved in the cancer haven’t been passed down from a family member and they are only found in the tumor. However, some cases of ovarian cancer are hereditary, meaning the risk for developing ovarian cancer can be passed to other family members and that the genetic mutation is present in the germline.

What are the symptoms?

Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis or lower abdomen, constant feeling of fullness, nausea, unexplained weight gain or loss, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and back pain are among symptoms that should prompt women to see a doctor and find out more.

Who’s at risk?

All women are at risk of getting ovarian cancer. About 1 in 75 women are affected by this cancer, meaning there is a 1.6% lifetime chance for any woman. About 20,000 women each year are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and about 15,000 women lose their battle. This cancer is difficult to screen for, so often times it’s not diagnosed until a later stage which means that it’s more difficult to treat. It’s important for women to know their family history. If ovarian cancer occurs in a woman’s family, she is at an even higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 provide examples of this. If a woman has a mutation in her BRCA1 gene that she inherited from a family member (therefore it is in all of her cells), her chance of developing ovarian cancer goes from 1.6% to 40-60%. A mutation in BRCA2 increases a woman’s chance to 35%. It’s important to note that these mutations only increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Other factors such as accumulated gene changes, environment and lifestyle will determine if a woman actually gets ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is still being studied, and there are several other inherited genetic changes that potentially could increase a woman’s risk for developing this cancer. That’s why it’s important for women with a family history of ovarian cancer to stay especially aware and visit the doctor or gynecologist regularly whether they have a BRCA mutation or not. I am someone who fits in to this category. While I am unaware of whether I have a BRCA mutation, I know that my family history alone is enough to put me at in increased risk.

Treatment/Risk reduction

It has been found that taking oral contraceptives and having a child can reduce a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. In addition, genetic counseling is a good route to go if a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer. This could open the door to possible prophylactic surgery (such as removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) that could greatly reduce a woman’s risk of developing cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and radiation are methods that are used to treat ovarian cancer.

Educating other women about ovarian cancer is a way I choose to honor my grandmother. She didn’t have access to the information we have today. Since we now know more about ovarian cancer, I think it’s important that we share this information as much as possible and create an awareness amongst all women since we are all at risk.

To find out more and to participate in the community, Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central South Carolina is a great place to start: http://www.ovariancancermidlands.org/

Brianna Teapole is a genetic counseling graduate student at the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program.

Find a genetic counselor at Palmetto Health USC Genetic Counseling or feel free to contact us at 803-545-5775 or genetics@uscmed.sc.edu.

We look forward to serving you!