OVARIAN CANCER

The chance of a woman in the general population acquiring ovarian cancer is less than 1 percent. However, women who have genetic disorder known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) may have up to a 44 percent risk of getting the disease, and up to an 87 percent risk of breast cancer.

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Eleven to 15 percent of ovarian cancer is attributed to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.

Women and men with the gene mutation have a 50 percent chance of passing it to their offspring.

Men with the gene mutation have an increased risk of male breast cancer and, to a smaller degree, prostate cancer.

Red flags

Conditions that should initiate discussions between a patient and her doctor about a BRACAnalysis , a blood test for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, include personal or family history of:

Breast cancer, particularly under 50.

Ovarian cancer at any age.

Multiple breast cancers on the same side of the family, even over the age of 50.

Male breast cancer at any age.

Ashkenazi Jewish population (those of Eastern European descent) with family history of breast cancer.

Family member with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome.

Source: Dr. Paul A. Rich, private family practice in Liberty Township, and program director for the Family Practice Residency Program at Northside Medical Center medical staff.