I need answers..

I'm 16 and my grandmother and mother have had ovarian cancer. My grandmother died from it .. but my mom survived it .. because she had a hysterectomy. I was just wondering.. if there is any way for doctors to detect if i have possible cancer genes.. Can doctors tell so early if i will have it ?

[marie3B]

What you will need to do is have your mom be tested for the bcra 1 & 2 genes.  If she tests positive, then you can be tested.  Those are the only 2 gene tests for ovca at this time even though there are other kinds of ovarian cancers that are genetic.  Mine is definitely genetic even though my brca 1 & 2 were negative.  I have it.  Mom died from it,  Grandma and great grandma died of metastatic cancers that were likely the same as mine and mom's though I have not seen path reports on them.  You need to have a good gyn to keep a watch on you.  My daughter was 16 when I was diagnosed.  My gyn told her to be on the birth contrl pill to slightly reduce her chances of getting ovca.  She will also get regular exams every 6 months and be very aware of how her body feels.  You and my girls will probably be fine, but you just need to take good care of yourself and make your doctor aware of the family history.  I wish you the best.  Marie

[nyc lady]

Marie is right, early dectection is the best defense we have against this disease.  Be aware of your body, more frequent visits to a GYN that knows the family history, sonograms, etc.   There is no way of knowing who will get this disease and who won't.  Genetics play a part, but, most cases are random.

[chopps]

Hi,
Lynch Syndrome can also be related to ovarian cancer.  If there is any history of colon cancer in the family and the test for BRCA1/2 is negative they will test for Lynch Syndrome.  Here are some notes from Mayo Clinic.  Joy, my mother is going through testing now and they have decided to test for BRCA1/2 first.  They will test for Lynch Syndrome down the line if need be.  I had never heard of this so wanted to share.
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff

Lynch syndrome is a rare inherited condition that increases your risk of colon cancer and other cancers. Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). A number of inherited syndromes can increase your risk of colon cancer, but Lynch syndrome is the most common. An estimated 2 percent to 3 percent of colon cancers — or two or three out of every 100 colon cancers — are thought to be caused by Lynch syndrome.

Families that have Lynch syndrome usually have more cases of colon cancer than would typically be expected. Lynch syndrome also causes colon cancer to occur at an earlier age than it might in the general population.

People with Lynch syndrome may experience:

Colon cancer that occurs at a younger age, especially before age 45
A family history of colon cancer that occurs at a young age
A family history of endometrial cancer
A family history of other related cancers, including ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, small bowel cancer, liver cancer or other cancers

Joy's genetic counselor said their can be a relationship with ovarian cancer.

A little more info.:
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that predisposes people to colon cancer and other cancers as well. While most people have about a six percent chance of developing colon cancer at some point in their lives, people with Lynch syndrome have about an 80 percent chance. Women with Lynch syndrome also have about a 10 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer and a 50 percent chance of developing uterine cancer.

I think of you all often.  As always my thoughts and prayers are with you.