How Should People at Risk of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer Be Monitored?

Hereditary ovarian cancer risk can be reduced through various approaches. A medical oncologist and cancer genetics specialist offer the following approaches based on individual risk planning.

Screening Methods

The American National Cancer Guideline defines screening for women carrying BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations: - Monthly breast self-examination from age 18 - Clinical breast examination twice yearly from age 25 - Annual breast MRI screening from age 25 - Gynecological pelvic examination, transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography and CA-125 blood testing from age 30 - Consideration of prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy, surgical ovary removal, at age 40 and above. Screening is also defined for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations: - Monthly breast self-examination from their 30s - Annual clinical breast examination from their 30s - Annual prostate cancer screening: digital rectal examination, examination through the anus with a finger - You may be interested in: Can Our Genes Be Selfish? Hereditary Cancers and Their Genes

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce ovarian cancer risk because women ovulate less during pregnancy. Risk decreases with multiple pregnancies or a first pregnancy before age 26.

Oral Contraceptive Use

Birth control pills reduce ovarian cancer risk. Women using them for 5 years or more have a 50 percent lower risk. - You may be interested in: Birth Control Pills — Oral Contraceptives and CANCER RISK