Genetics and Ovarian Cancer???

[tifftaff]

My mom is 41 and has just recently been surgically diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The extent will not be known until the end of this week (when pathology returns on the several dozen biopsies of the area.).  My concern for my future is LOOMING right now.  I am 24, I have two healthy and beautiful children and am married.  We KNOW we do not want more children.  I am wondering WHAT I have to say and do to get my OB/GYN to take MY concerns for this disease seriously.  Honestly at this point, I'd take a hysterectomy in the next 2-4 years (once/if my mom was safe enough to assist with my children).  My husband is in agreeance, but we've had ENOUGH trouble trying to find a doc to give him a vasectomy.  SO what can I do to find out my risk?  HOW do I get MY health care provider to understand that *I* would much rather be barren than risk cancer??

[lucymullis]

The testing needs to start with your mom. She can have a meeting with a genetics counselor and gett the blood test.  My suggestion would be for you to help her thru this cancer first.  Believe me, it's enough for you all now.  Read my post on the doctor's forum for more info.  Also, there is a great site http://www.facingourrisk.org that is dedicated to this very issue.  

[Helmar]

Hello...I was dx Stage 4 in Feb'04, which was a terrible shock to me, as I'd been going back and forth for over 9 months complaining of the bloatedness etc. and kept being told I have IBS etc. etc. but the point I wish to make is that I am the 'first cab off the rank'  regarding any type of cancer.. as there is nothing whatsoever in either side of my family, so who knows what causes this. Of course I am concerned,as I have a daughter in her 20s, so I did ask my Gyno/Surgeon about the possibility of her having her ovaries removed after having children, and he told me it won't make any difference if she is in line to get ovca... the cancer will appear in the surrounding tissue anyhow. I sat next to a lady while waiting for a Mammogram a couple of years ago, and she had been operated on, and had two masectomies some years prior. She warned me to take care, as the cancer had grown in the tissue of her chest area. I could be wrong, but I just think we can do what we will, but if we are in line to get cancer, then the wretched thing will come. Until I had the symptoms of ovca, I was a very healthy, fit and active person....never even got the flu. Just so healthy, and took good care of my body... always ate healthy, and cancer was the last thing I ever thought I would get. I thought I would die of old age. Just goes to show, we can't take anthing for granted in this life.
I suggest that you take all of the necessary precautions to stay on top of anything that could happen. It was suggested that my daughter won't necessarily get ovca even though I have it, but she is ever alert to it, so will be aware of what she must do to stay on top. Eating healthy and the 'right foods' could help, but I did all of that, and..... well..........
Just want to wish you all the best, and hope your Mum will come out of this as well as she can under the circumstances. This is one horrible blight on women, for sure. Please keep us informed as to how your Mum is doing. Best wishes and hugs...Helen...

[Rreba]

I think that NYC Lady is correct in saying that being on the birth control pill reduces your risk.  From what I understand, the less you ovulate, the less of a risk you have.  For example, the more children you have, the better because you are not ovulating for 9 months with each one and if you breastfeed, you are likely not ovulating even longer. The age at which you started your menses can also make a difference.

Birth control pills would sound like a great option, however they are linked to increased chance of breast cancer, so then you would have to be careful of that.  One day they will find a cure or at least a prevention for this.

I hope everything is ok with your mom.

[nyc lady]

The increased rate of being diagnosised with OvCa when a first line relative has OvCa, Breast Cancer or Colon Cancer is low at less then 10 percent and the risks of someone being diagnosised at a young age is also low...so, there probably aren't many doctors that would be willing to give you a hysterectomy....that is a pretty radical operation and there are alot of side effects ALOT...removal of any organ needs to be carefully considered.

Over 90 percent of OvCa's are random.  If you test positive in BRCA studies, then, you are looking at an increased rate of approximately 40 percent at which point proflatic surgery is an option.

All though all stats are nothing more then numbers, they are somewhat statisically valid.  There are things that they feel do "prevent" OvCa such as number of pregnancies, breast feeding and being on the birth control pill - all these cease ovulation thus preventing development of cysts.  

Right now I think that it is most important to see your mother thru this.  Once she is on her feet, it isn't a bad idea to discuss your concerns with her GYN/ONC.

My thoughts are with you and  your family at this time.  Please, get your mom to join us....we are a great group of supporters - we are here for your entire family.

[kismetfarm]

Being BRCA positive myself and having family members that don't want to know and won't consider hysterectomy I am impressed with your courage facing this.  It might pay to talk to a geneticist (I think that is what they are called) though before doing anything too major.  Do you have any more family history of breast or Ovca other than your Mom?  If not there may be no genetic link.  Also talk over a screening program with a gynae perhaps.  Good luck to your Mom

[SimplyStar]

Leslee has 3 grown daughters  Leslee was genetically tested and found not to carry the BRAC 1 or 2 genes, we were told that their chances of getting OVCA were the same as their mother,  about 2% however they are going to do follow ups yearly and are eating the foods recommended to help prevent cancer.  they take fish oil and use the flax, ginko,  nursing thier babies, and will be taking BCP as needed in the future.  Once you know the ins and outs of this damn desease, I feel it can either be controlled or avoided.  So much has been learned about this from those women that have gone before us and  we are learning new things everyday. Leslee told me yesterday that she feels chemo will, in the future be considered neanderthal, and that natures way will  prevail.

[dian07]

Hello....I can understand your concerns...my grand-daughters face a future just as yours is only a little more desperate....I had ovarian cancer and their other grandma died from breast cancer.....they will be genetically tested.  Anyway....I would suggest you talk with your mom's gyn/oncologist....he could answer your questions and is certainly the one to do your surgery.  Don't jump making a panic decision...this is a permanent surgery.....no going back.  Make certain you discuss how being thrown into menopause will affect you.....I am 58 and have to admit at 55 even I had a twinge of confusion....of course I was no longer looking at adding to our family ....but, eventhough you say you aren't intending to have any more children, consider the psychological impact.....if I were in your shoes I think I would have the same reaction as you......talk with your mom's gyn/oncologist.  Good luck.
Peace.
dian

[freshair]

You may also want to consider getting your tubes tied. I have heard that this decreases your risk.

But I understand wanting to have a full hysterectomy. But then there are so many side effects.

I have told my daughter this. She is 28. These are good studies and are out there.

Gingko Bilboa was one herb found to prevent ovarian cancer.

Keep stress out of your life

Highest intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin experienced a 40% lower risk of ovarian cancer

Anti-reproductive cancer diet--diet low in saturated fats (no trans fat also), crucifers, flax, garlic, green tea, fish oil, cooked tomatoes, turmeric.

Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, keep weight down.

It says just 10 grams of flax a day can drop levels of unhealthy estrogen and act as an anti-inflammatory. Be sure to grind it first to get the full effect.  I grind mine in a coffee grinder then you have to put it in the refrigerator and use it within the week. It has to be fresh.  I use it on my cereal. About 2 Tablespoons a day and it is great fiber also.