Genetic Counseling for Ovarian Cancers
Genetic counseling is an important piece of our gynecological oncology program. Ovarian cancers, in particular, are sometimes associated with inherited gene changes, called mutations, that increase the risk for types of cancer. Most well known is the association between ovarian cancer and mutations in genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which also increase the risk for breast, prostate, and other cancers. Finding a mutation in one of these genes may not only explain your current cancer but may guide your ovarian cancer treatment and allow us to tailor screening or preventative recommendations for you and for your family members.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
If you or a family member have any of the following “red flags” for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, you may want to consult with our genetics counselors for genetic counseling and possibly testing:
- Breast cancer before age 45
- Triple-negative breast cancer before age 60
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer at any age
- Metastatic prostate cancer at any age
- Pancreatic cancer at any age
- 3 or more relatives with breast, ovarian, pancreatic and/or aggressive prostate cancer on the same side of the family
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, aggressive prostate or pancreatic cancer
- Prior negative BRCA1 or BRCA2 testing
We recognize that discussing an increased risk for cancer for yourself and your family can be a difficult and intimidating process. Genetic counseling and screening for patients and their families are available at many locations throughout Arizona, including several locations in Phoenix. Feel free to ask your cancer care providers for more details.
Arizona Oncology has offices located throughout Arizona where you will receive state-of-the-art ovarian cancer treatment in a caring and comfortable environment close to home, work, and family.