Ovarian cancer

If cancer is suspected, the surgeon usually removes the entire affected ovary to ensure that all potentially abnormal areas are removed. A pathologist evaluates the tissue and if cancer is confirmed, typically the second ovary, the uterus and the fallopian tubes are removed.

Genetic Research

To date, about five per cent of ovarian cancer cases are caused by inherited defects in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Genes, the pieces of the chemical DNA within your cells that are inherited from your parents, determine many aspects of your body's make-up. Scientists have known for years that genes determine risk for developing a disease like cancer.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes normally help to prevent cancer by making a protein that keeps cells from growing too much. But if you have a defect in either of these genes - inherited from either parent - they won't prevent the cancer from developing in your ovaries. If you have a defect in the BRCA1 gene, you have a 60 per cent chance of getting ovarian cancer. The risks are less with a mutated BRCA2 gene, but still greater than the ovarian cancer risk that most women face.

Genetic testing for ovarian cancer has raised many questions, both scientific and ethical. Although tests are available to identify the mutations that may predispose you to this cancer, they are not absolutely positive predictors. In addition, many doctors are not yet fully educated about the tests that are available, how they are performed and how they are interpreted.

The first step in genetic testing is to examine your family tree, and that's best done with the help of a specially trained genetic counsellor. If genetic testing is done properly, it can change lives drastically, both in terms of preventing the onset of ovarian cancer (by taking preventive steps) and the psychological impact of knowing you are predisposed to get the disease, or not, regardless of family history. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a genetic counselling clinic.)