Women health
*Women health>>>Ovarian Cancer

My mom died of ovarian cancer. Should I have my ovaries removed?


ovarian cancer is hereditary

There are many factors to consider before making a decision.

Pros of removal (assuming your gene tests come up positive, your mother was diagnosed early in life, you have predisposing syndromes): significantly reduced risk of ovarian cancer, no stress from screening and regular appointments at a cancer center.

Cons (especially if ovaries are removed before menopause): increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, hot flashes, possible cognitive changes, memory and movement problems

Good news is that more reliable and noninvasive early diagnostic tests are being developed.

If you are planning to visit San Francisco Bay Area, you can volunteer for one of such studies - all you need to do is breathe in a tube. Call Ashley, the study coordinator, at (415) 342-0886 to learn more.

Aurametrix site lists links to more clinical trials, ovarian cancer hot-line, and factors to consider.

I agree with the second respondent. You should talk to a doctor to get tested for the gene(s) that are linked to ovarian cancer. I think there are two genes that they test for - and actually they are also linked to breast cancer. That would be the first step. From there you need counseling to plot a course of action, which they will set you up with after your testing. The different genes have different probability rates for the different cancers - so the way you deal with your future differs depending on the results. Also, it could be that your mom had ovarian cancer that was not due to either gene. In that case your chances of getting ovarian cancer are extremely low!

There was a great set of articles in my local newpaper that might help you understand your situation and risks. Here are the links.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Health/Yo...

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Health/Bi...

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Health/Ch...

somewhat related story that was part of the series
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Health/Co...

Good luck and get the facts from the doctor!

Sorry to hear that. I do believe there is a test you can take to determine if you have that particular gene. Talk to your Doctor. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to do that. I had a girlfriend who had breast cancer at age 30, she was pregnant when they found it. She had a double mastectomy, by choice. You should also ask about freezing your eggs. Best of luck with your decision.

i am so sorry about your mother

you are asking a legitimate question, and nobody can make this kind of life-changing decision but you

you should discuss this with a oncologist specializing in female reproductive organs, as well as a medical genticist

http://www.umgcc.org/gyn_program/ovarian...

No you shouldn't have your ovaries removed. But you should however get checked regularly. At least once a year. And make sure to always have protected sex.

No you shouldn't that do not happen to everybody i'm sorry to hear that about your mother

I think that I would.

Tags
Ocular Allergies Oral Health Osteoarthritis Osteopathic Medicine Osteoporosis Ovarian Cancer Overactive Bladder Macular Degeneration Medication Safety Menopause
Related information
  • My mom died of ovarian cancer. Should I have my ovaries removed?

    There are many factors to consider before making a decision. Pros of removal (assuming your gene tests come up positive, your mother was diagnosed early in life, you have predisposing syndromes)...

  • Can a baby be born healthy if mother has ovarian cancer?

    If the mother does not have any treatments, such as chemo or radiation, then the baby can technically be born healthy, but complications are likely to occur, causing miscarriage. The placenta fo...

  • Does Ovarian Cancer have a smell?

    I highly doubt it's serious. I've heard that cancer does have a smell and there are apparently dogs that can smell cancer in people. I doubt that you or I could smell it though. And it...

  • Hi. I am a 22 year old single mother with ovarian cancer I have Dysgerminamo?

    Your church, United Way, Salvation Army, or other charities..

    ...
  • Bleeding, infection and fainting after ovarian cancer?

    Without knowing the patients general health before the procedure, what type of cancer she had, was all of the cancer removed and whether or not she'll need chemotherapy or radiation after the ...

  • Really Scared that i have ovarian cancer?

    My daughter is 22 and had exactly the same symptoms as you. Turns out that she has a bloody cyst on her right ovary. We are going to the gynecologist this week for more exams and probably talk abo...

  • How can people be saved from Ovarian cancer?

    There's pelvic pain, pressure and fullness, abdominal bloating, change in urinary habits and bowel habits that continue to worsen. Symptoms of IBS may include crampy pain, bloating, gas, mu...

  • Re-Occuring ovarian cysts...what are chances of having problems having kids or cancer?

    You sound like me, seriously! I have had 3 cysts on my ovaries...one that had ruptured and I was in such serious pain I couldn't even stand up or move. They thouhgt I had appendicitis at first...

  •    

    Health Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster
    The information on whfhhc.com is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.