My grandmother had ovarian cancer. What is my chance (statistically) of getting ovarian cancer, too?

Actually, my grandmother didn't have ovarian cancer. But all her sisters, as well as her mother, did. She had a hysterectomy, and in her 70's ended up with stomach cancer instead. Her daughter (my aunt) hasn't been diagnosed with caner--yet--and she's in her late 40's. I'm 20.

I know that ovarian cancer is very genetic. I would like to know my chances of getting the gene, and also what precautions I should take. I would also like to know how doctors test for the cancer/test for the gene.

I do plan on seeing a doctor soon, so don't worry about advising me to see the doc... but I would like to know a bit about it before I go in so I can ask the right questions.

Also-- She was my dad's mother, not my mom's mother. Does that make a difference? Can men pass on the gene?

According to what I've read, only 10% of cases come from genetic, with 90% occurring sporadically. So, that's good!
The precaustions to take are getting checked yearly and making sure that your OB/GYN knows about your family history.

Here's the source that I found:
http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/hereditary...

While you should advise your doctor of the ovarian cancer in your family, you should be aware of the symptoms which can easily be found on the web. Check out www.webmd.com and www.healthline.com. There are many long term survivors of ovarian cancer and more treatments are being developed all the time. You should get more information to be informed and relieve your anxiety. Try to find a female doctor who will share information with you and make your feel comfortable.

You can get tested to see if you carry that gene.

Yes, ovarian cancer is very genetic and very hard to catch.

It usually is symptom less.

Tags

　　Ozone 　　Overweight 　　Overactive Bladder 　　Over-the-Counter Medicines 　　Ovarian Insufficiency 　　Ovarian Cysts 　　Ovarian Cancer 　　Otitis Media 　　Ostomy 　　Osteosarcoma 　　Osteoporosis 　　Osteonecrosis 　　Osteoarthritis

Related information

Scared its ovarian cancer?

Those symptoms you've described are very non-specific. In fact, they sound more like symptoms of a gastrointestinal disturbance that a gynecologic malignancy. Put your mind at ease - go see ...

Ovarian Cysts Linked With Cancer?

Sometimes an ovarian cyst is malignant (cancer). Doctors be live the the malignant cyst is malignant from the beginning, so usual, benign cyst don't go malignant. Cristiana

...

Ovarian cancer question here. My doctor told me the other day that she has diagnosed a lot of patients?

Sigh. It's just Leanne, the cancer fake again. This woman doesn't have cancer, folks. She just likes pretending to, and then describing gory symptoms to try to shock people and get attent...

Ovarian cancer -- surgery? Chemo? Radiation?

External Beam Radiation Therapy External beam radiation therapy involves a series of daily outpatient treatments to accurately deliver radiation to the cancer. Each treatment is painless and is ...

Ovarian cancer and ER/PR testing?

Premarin (Generic: Conjugated estrogens) has been linked to the following serious side effects: Ovarian Cancer, Lupus, Scleroderma, Gallbladder Cancer and Stroke. second sike Research suppo...

Can ovarian cancer move to the Kidneys?

Any cancer can spread. Generally, a few cancer cells detach themselves and get into the lymphatic system from which they spread to other areas. That said, your mother's tumours could be benign...

Ovarian cancer? How do I made my doctors listen?

Change doctors. You can ask your GYN for a referral to see another doctor for a second opinion. Or you can change doctors on your own. Ovarian cancer, yes, these are all signs that indicate it. T...

How does Ovarian Cancer affect family members? Can you still have kids with Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is known as the Silent Killer. It is often referred to this way because its symptoms have nothing to do with the actual diagnosis. These include (but are not limited to): lower back ...