Nationally there is encouragement for all NHS Trusts to provide genetic testing and cousnelling to the local population. At Hampshire Hospitals we are now able to carry out genetic testing for some types of Ovarian cancer. We are also working towards providing this for Endometrial cancers too. Your Clinical Nurse Specialist will talk to you further about genetic testing as necessary during your diagnosis pathway.
Genetics can play an important role in ovarian cancer, meaning that in some cases, the risk of developing the disease is linked to inherited gene changes (mutations) passed down through families.
What does “genetic” mean in ovarian cancer?
- It means some people are born with faulty genes that increase their chance of developing cancer.
- These gene changes can be inherited from a parent.
Main genes linked to ovarian cancer:
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most well-known genes
- These genes normally help repair DNA, but when they are faulty, cancer risk increases
- Other genes (like Lynch syndrome genes) can also increase risk
How much risk does it add?
- Not everyone with these gene changes will get cancer
- But the risk is significantly higher than average
Who might be offered genetic testing?
- People with a strong family history of ovarian, breast, or certain other cancers
- Individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- Families known to carry a gene mutation
Why is genetic information important?
- Helps guide treatment decisions (e.g. targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors)
- Allows family members to consider testing and risk-reducing options
- Enables closer monitoring and prevention strategies
Key message:
Genetics helps identify people at higher risk of ovarian cancer and can guide both treatment and prevention for patients and their families.
Causes and risk factors - BRCA gene - BRCA1 and BRCA2 are 2 genes that everyone has. Changes in a BRCA gene can cause a higher risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer - Macmillan information.
Genetic testing in ovarian cancer - We all have thousands of genes. They are vital for life and hold the information our bodies use to grow and function properly. In some cases, genes play a role in protecting us from cancer - Eve Appeal.
Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) - Find out more about what homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is and what it could mean for your treatment for ovarian cancer - Target Ovarian cancer.
PARP inhibitors - PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted cancer drug, they include olaparib, niraparib and talazoparib. They are a treatment for several types of cancer including ovarian, breast and prostate cancer -Cancer Research UK.
Genetics can influence the risk of developing endometrial cancer, although most cases are not inherited.
What does “genetic” mean here?
- It refers to inherited gene changes (mutations) that can increase a person’s chance of developing cancer.
- These gene changes are passed down through families.
Main genetic link:
- The most important inherited condition linked to endometrial cancer is Lynch syndrome
- Lynch syndrome is caused by faults in genes that normally help repair DNA
What is Lynch syndrome?
- It increases the risk of several cancers, including:
- Endometrial (womb) cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Ovarian and other cancers
- People with Lynch syndrome have a higher lifetime risk of developing endometrial cancer
Who might be considered for genetic testing?
- People diagnosed with endometrial cancer at a younger age
- Those with a family history of:
- Womb cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Families known to have Lynch syndrome
Why is genetic testing important?
- Helps identify people at higher risk
- Allows for regular monitoring or screening
- Can guide treatment decisions
- Helps inform family members, who may also wish to be tested
Lynch Syndrome - Our guide to lynch syndrome has been made with experts, people with lynch syndrome and our Ask Eve nurses. It has all the information you need about Lynch syndrome, whether you’ve been offered testing or you have had a diagnosis.
