World Ovarian Cancer Day - May 8th (note that the genetics section includes only BRCA)

World Ovarian Cancer Day
 

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in nearly a quarter of a million women globally, and is responsible for 140,000 deaths each year. Statistics show that just 45% of women with ovarian cancer are likely to survive for five years compared to up to 89% of women with breast cancer.

 

Prevention & Diagnosis

There is currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer.
If you have signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, your doctor should perform, or refer you for, a: • Complete pelvic exam
• Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound
• CA-125 blood test

Risk Factors

It is important to talk to your doctor to determine what your own personal risk may be. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer as described above, you may wish to seek genetic counseling.

 

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing will indicate whether you have a change in your gene structure in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which may make you more susceptible to breast or ovarian cancer.