Ovarian cancer affects the two small, almond shaped organs located in the deep regions of the abdomen (NCI, 2008). These are found on each side of the uterus. Ovarian cancer is very hard to detect in early stages. Ovarian cancer is harder to detect than breast cancer because of its location and symptoms. This cancer is often not caught early and can be deadly. Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all female cancers; greater than 50% of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die annually. Only around 10% of all cases are diagnosed and treated in early stages. Every 4 -10 women out of 100 with ovarian cancer have one or more relatives ovarian cancer. Many doctors are now advising that women in their mid to upper 30’s who are a
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The tests can be performed on a blood or saliva sample. BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks at the sequence of the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes. This test examines the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and looks for key mutations. Changes in their genetic code indicate increased cancer risks. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins aid in repairing damaged cells. When these genes are mutated, cell damage is not repaired properly. These mutated cells are likely to develop additional genetic changes that can then lead to cancer. Women who carry disease specific alleles for BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at higher risk of ovarian epithelial cancer than other women. Every person regardless of their gender has these specific genes. People have two sets of these genes from both their mother and father. These genes can be tested by saliva or blood to determine if they carry the gene mutation that can help cause ovarian …show more content…
The BRCA2 gene is on chromosome 13q and was located a year after the BRCA1 gene. The BRCA2 gene is linked with a higher risk for breast than ovarian cancer. BRCA2 mutations are also associated with an increased risk of male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Only about 5% of breast cancers and 10% to 15% of ovarian cancers are caused by mutations in BRCA genes (NCI, 2014). The BRCA mutations are more likely in certain ethnic populations. Because of this, not everyone needs to undergo genetic testing. Genetic health care providers can help determine whether genetic testing is needed by studying a personal and family history of cancer and other factors such as
The tests can be performed on a blood or saliva sample. BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks at the sequence of the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes. This test examines the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and looks for key mutations. Changes in their genetic code indicate increased cancer risks. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins aid in repairing damaged cells. When these genes are mutated, cell damage is not repaired properly. These mutated cells are likely to develop additional genetic changes that can then lead to cancer. Women who carry disease specific alleles for BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at higher risk of ovarian epithelial cancer than other women. Every person regardless of their gender has these specific genes. People have two sets of these genes from both their mother and father. These genes can be tested by saliva or blood to determine if they carry the gene mutation that can help cause ovarian …show more content…
The BRCA2 gene is on chromosome 13q and was located a year after the BRCA1 gene. The BRCA2 gene is linked with a higher risk for breast than ovarian cancer. BRCA2 mutations are also associated with an increased risk of male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Only about 5% of breast cancers and 10% to 15% of ovarian cancers are caused by mutations in BRCA genes (NCI, 2014). The BRCA mutations are more likely in certain ethnic populations. Because of this, not everyone needs to undergo genetic testing. Genetic health care providers can help determine whether genetic testing is needed by studying a personal and family history of cancer and other factors such as