Who is at Increased Risk for Uterine or Ovarian Cancer?
The majority of ovarian and uterine cancers are sporadic, or happen by chance, however, approximately 5-10% of cancers are caused by an underlying hereditary predisposition. Individuals with a hereditary predisposition for cancer have a genetic change (mutation) that leads to increased risks for specific cancers in them and their family members. This is called a hereditary cancer syndrome.
People with hereditary cancer syndromes benefit from increased cancer screening, as well as prevention options.
You should consider genetic testing if you have:
- Personal or family history of:
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer or colon cancer diagnosed younger than 50 years old
- Personal history of multiple cancers (ovarian, endometrial, colon, pancreas, breast, kidney)
- Family history of a known genetic mutation associated with an increased risk for uterine or ovarian cancer such as Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden (PTEN Hamartoma tumor syndrome) or Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome
- Multiple family members with cancer(s) of the endometrium, colon, ovaries, pancreas, stomach, biliary tract or urinary system
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Talk to family members about your family history of cancer such as who has been diagnosed with cancer, what kind of cancer, and at what age they were diagnosed.
- Determine if any family members have had genetic testing; if so, obtain a copy of their test results.
- Bring any questions or notes that you have.
What Can Everyone do to Decrease the Risk of Uterine and Ovarian Cancer?
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is very strongly associated with uterine cancer, and slightly associated with ovarian cancer.
- Be physically active.
- Avoid estrogen-only hormone replacement. If you have not had a hysterectomy but need hormone replacement, it should include both estrogen and progesterone.
- If you have irregular periods, talk to your doctor about regulating them with birth control pills.
Services
- Genetic counseling
- Genetic Mutation Testing
- Coordination of cancer screening for patients with a hereditary cancer syndrome
- Screening and risk-reducing surgery for gynecologic cancers
- Referrals for screening and risk-reducing surgery for other cancers as applicable