Overview to risk factors, risk management options, etc. more...
Cancer is a complex disease with many contributing causes, including hereditary factors. ... Because of this uncertainty, most experts calculate an estimated “risk range” rather than a specific percentage when citing cancer risks related to a BRCA mutation or a strong family history of cancer. more...
Other cancers have been linked to hereditary breast or ovarian cancer. Some cancers are associated with BRCA mutations; others are associated with other cancer syndromes. As more research is done on hereditary cancer syndromes, the research community learns more about risks for less common cancers than breast or ovarian cancer. A cancer genetics expert will know the most up-to-date risk information and advise you of your options for risk management. more...
Chemoprevention is the use of medication to lower the risk or prevent cancer in healthy people. Some chemoprevention medications reduce breast cancer risk. However, just how well these drugs perform in high-risk women depends on each woman’s individual level of risk. more...
Some chemoprevention medications may reduce the risk for ovarian cancer. Just how well these drugs perform in high-risk women depends on each woman’s individual level of risk. more...
Close surveillance or screening for cancer routinely uses tests to try to catch cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Surveillance doesn’t prevent cancer. However, early detection improves a person’s chance of surviving their cancer. more...
Close surveillance or screening for cancer uses tests on a routine basis to identify cancer early on, at its most treatable stage. Surveillance doesn’t prevent cancer; however, catching cancer early improves a person’s odds of survival. more...
Mastectomy is removal of breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer. “Unilateral mastectomy” is the surgical removal of one breast. “Bilateral mastectomy” is the removal of both breasts. “Prophylactic mastectomy” refers to the removal of healthy breasts to reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. more...
Reconstructive procedures have evolved tremendously in the last decade. In past years, reconstructive surgeons tried to restore a woman’s profile in clothes. Now the goal of many surgeons is to make a woman look as natural as possible whether clothed or not. more...
Oophorectomy is the removal of the ovaries to treat or prevent ovarian cancer or other ovarian abnormalities. “Prophylactic oophorectomy” refers to the removal of healthy ovaries in women who have an elevated risk for ovarian cancer. Women with elevated hereditary risk for ovarian cancer also have an elevated risk for fallopian tube cancer. For this reason, when their ovaries are removed prophylactically, the fallopian tubes must also be removed. more...
Women who undergo oophorectomy prior to natural menopause will experience menopause from the surgery. Menopausal symptoms and the experience varies from woman to woman. Further, some of the consequences of menopause are more serious than others. more...
Confronting your personal cancer risk can be confusing and frustrating. If you are trying to choose the best risk-management option, sometimes it helps to speak with other women who have faced these choices. more...