Should I be worried about Ovarian Cancer

I will be seeing an obs/gyn doctor in two weeks.  I have bloating , stress incontinence , lower left abdominal pain,  lower back pain, 3 cm fibroid(diagnosed through Ultrasound) nausea, headaches very heavy periods every 20 days .  My mom had a hyste for abnormal cells in her uterus( my grandfather died of hogkins disease) and  i have three maternal aunts 1st aunt had ovarian cancer(died at the age of 51;  2nd aunt had cancer of the vulvar and colon cancer 2 years later; 3rd aunt with breast ovarian and cancer of the colon.  both aunts have colostomies.

My father died at the age of 41 from lung cancer.  

Should I be concerned

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
It sounds like you are getting a good evaluation. With your family history of ovarian, breast, and colon cancer, you should ask your doctor about seeing a genetic counselor for a discussion about genetic testing. BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutations are associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer-  HNPCC- is a family syndrome of cancers of colon, breast, and uterus.


It may also be worthwhile to have a discussion with your doctor about the prophylactic removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes once you have finished having your family
best wishes