How genetic is ovarian cancer?

if someone in the family has it does it mean more risk that someone else may get it?

Yes. It predisposes you to the disease and you should have more regular check ups. Once a family member is diagnosed with cancer, it is strongly and I mean strongly recommended that all other family members get checked out. No matter what gender they are.

Yes you are, sadly, predisposed to have it. As a general rule you should be checked 10 years prior to the person that was diagnosed. What I mean is if the person in your family was say 45 years old when they were diagnosed you should be checked at 35 years old. Its the best way I can explain it sorry. Or for Ovarain cancer you can have a CA-125 cancer gene test done to see you if you have the gene for it. If you do more often than not you will be given the option for a hysterectomy. My Mom died of ovarian cancer and I have ALOT of GYN problems that resulted in a hysterectomy at 27. Just research the symptoms of Ovarain cancer and keep a shard eye out. The only bad thing is that the symptoms of it are vague :(
Medical Assistant for 10 years in Family Practice, Internal Med and Vascular/General Surgery.