Ovarian Cancer: Genetic Testing for Inherited Mutations
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Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersGenetic Testing for People Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
People with ovarian cancer should ask about genetic testing
Up to 20% of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer have an that caused their cancer. There are national guidelines that outline who should consider genetic counseling and testing for an linked to cancer. Speak with an expert about genetic testing for the following situations.
Experts recommend all people diagnosed with , ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer at any age have genetic counseling and testing. About 1 out of 4 women diagnosed with one of these cancers will test positive for an .
People diagnosed with ovarian cancer may benefit from additional genetic counseling and expanded genetic testing if they had genetic testing in the past, tested negative, and:
- they had a test that only looked for one or a few genes, or
- they had genetic testing before 2014. Genetic testing has improved, and laboratories can now find gene mutations that may have previously been missed.
All ovarian cancer survivors and those in treatment should speak with a genetics expert to decide if genetic testing is right for them.
Relatives of people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may also benefit from testing
Genetic counseling and testing is also recommended for anyone with a 1st-degree or 2nd-degree relative who has been diagnosed with any of these cancers at any age.