How common is breast and ovarian cancer?

One of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 out of 70 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some time during her life.

Is there an inherited susceptibility?

Inherited susceptibility genes may cause 5-10% of breast and ovarian cancers.

A woman who has inherited such a gene may have a 37% to 87% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and 10% to 45% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. She may also have an increased risk of developing more than one primary cancer.

What is the risk of breast or ovarian cancer?

Early Detection is critical for reducing deaths from these cancers

How common is an inherited sucseptibility?

Approximately 1 in 700 women have inherited a gene that increases their susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer. Often these women have several relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer, which may have occurred at a young age.

How is the susceptibility inherited?

A gene that increases susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer can be inherited from either parent. A person who has such a gene has a 50% chance of passing it on to any given child.

Who must consider genetic couseling and risk assessment?

If you have had breast and/or ovarian cancer and have 2 or more close relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer

or

If you are unaffected and have 3 or more close affected relatives

or

If you have fewer affected relatives but any of the following apply:

• You or a member of your family have been diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age
• You have had bilateral breast cancer at an early age
• There are one or more cases of ovarian cancer in your family
• A member of your family has had breast and ovarian cancer
• You are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• A male member of your family has had breast cancer

Genetic susceptibility testing

• It is not for everyone.
• It is recommended that all individuals at increased risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer receive appropriate education in order to make an informed choice.
• You may wish to discuss this with your physician or you may contact us directly.

For Questions, more information or if you would like to make an appointment,

please call: (585) 275-3461