Genetic Risk Factors

Family History as a Risk Factor for Ovarian Cancer

The most significant risk factor for developing ovarian cancer is age; the older a woman becomes, the higher her chances are of getting cancer. The average age for a woman to get ovarian cancer is 61 years, although women with genetic or familial risk factors tend to get ovarian cancer at a younger age.

It is estimated that 5-10% of cancers are due to hereditary factors. While many genetic traits are passed directly from parent to child, cancer itself is not. When an individual inherits a cancer gene from a parent, the actual cancer is not inherited, but rather a predisposition for developing particular types of cancer.

The characteristics that suggest hereditary cancer predisposition include:

  • Cancers that occur at an early age
  • Two or more cancers in a single individual.
  • Multiple generations affected with cancer.

A detailed cancer family history is an important tool in determining risk for hereditary cancer. As each generation ages, important information can be forgotten or lost -so now is the time to start gathering your family's medical history. Begin by recording the current age or age of death and cause of death for at least 3 generations to include: yourself, children, siblings, nieces/nephews, parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents and cousins. For relatives diagnosed with cancer make note of the age of diagnosis and the organ where the cancer began. It is often helpful to obtain a copy of the medical records/pathology report to document the primary site of the tumor. For women in the family who have had a hysterectomy document the age of surgery, the reason for the surgery and what organs were removed (i.e. uterus, tubes and ovaries). Document cancer screening such as colonoscopy and include age at the time of the procedure and removal of any colon polyps.

An appointment with a genetic counselor in a cancer risk assessment program can help you assess your risk for hereditary cancer. Your individualized risk assessment typically includes an evaluation of the cancer family history, a discussion of genetic principles as they apply to cancer, current methods for early cancer detection and prevention and options for genetic testing.

To find genetics professionals in your area who provide cancer risk assessment, contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors at http://www.nsgc.org/ and click on "Find a Counselor".