High Risk for Ovarian

[Dawn1220]

I am considered high risk for ovarian/breast cancer due to my mom having both.  However, my mom did not test positive for BRCA 1 &2 genes.  I am still considered high risk though.  It seems the only advice I am getting is to have my ovaries removed to reduce my chances for ovarian and breast cancer.  However, having my ovaries removed means I would have to go on synthetic hormones which also increases my chance for breast cancer?!?  I am not ready to have my organs removed especially since I am not positive for BRCA 1 or 2.  I have been told that having the CA 125 test and ultrasounds won't do much good either.  I have heard that the only reliable detector for ovarian cancer is an MRI, but usually does not get covered by insurance.  I am frustrated and am ready to create a crusade that will help women get the preventative care they need rather than getting cut into.  It just doesn't make sense.  (I understand it is the only option for BRCA 1 & 2.)  Does anyone have any information or advice for me that is different than having a bilateral oophorectomy?  Or if that is the only option, what I can do for my body after having a bilateral oophorectomy that does not require synthetic hormones?  Thank you!

[chelan3]

Hi, I had LMP ovca at 33 in 2002.  I opted for the hysterectomy (I had two aunts with breast cancer) and refused to take Estrogren Therapy.  Some women don't have problems with hot flashes.  I've had very few hot flashes and none have been major (I'm told I'm in a minority with that).  I take extra calcium supplements and vitamin B100.  I'm so far happy with my decision.  Yes, you still can get ovca after having ovaries removed - it's called peritonial cancer - it can be harder to detect without ovaries and therefore is detected usually at later stages.  It will be a hard decision, good luck.

[Brownie3321]

From what I've heard, there is not a lot of significant evidence that supports hormone replacement drugs cause breast cancer. That being said, I too was uncomfortable with taking them after my hysto so I did not. I have hot flashes, but they are tolerable. I get acupuncture done and it helps greatly with the hot flashes. Just a thought...best of luck, Deandra

[pahale]

as far as ovarian cancer, there have been situations where women have been diagnosed with cancer after having their ovaries removed.....just something to think about.

[nyc lady]

Your mother's Br and Ov Cancers are not genetic thus chances are you would not test postive for the gene mutation.  You are considered to have an increased risk rate of about 10 percent since your mother, or anyother first line relative has had OvCA, Breast or Colon Cancer.  If you tested postive for BRCA 1 or 2, then your risk increases to a 40 percent chance.  A CA125 is not reliable on it's own, but, can be helpful along with sonograms, CT Scans and biopsies.  An MRI is no more reliable then any other test...THERE IS NO EARLY DETECTION...like we say, we need a Mammorgram for our ovaries.

My advise to you is to seek the guidence of a genetic counsler and/or speak with a GYN/Oncologist.  I can tell you from a question and answer seminar that I attended by a GYN/ONC, when survivors asked about their daughters, unless they were BRCA positive, he does not advise surgery.  Remember, OvCa has touched our lives and we are very aware of it, however, it is really a rare disease, there isn't alot of info out there.

Good luck.

[AliceZan]

how old are you? are u planning to have kids? my sister was inquiring on the same and was told pretty much what u wrote here and also to reduce the risk of BC there is some drug that you could be on.