Topic: Is there a link between DCIS and ovarian cancer

Dawn, The Breast and Ovarian cancer genes run together. My aunt had ovarian cancer in 1978 and my mom had BC in 2001. My mom did have the genetic test done and she was brca negative, meaning she did not have either of the mutated genes that they have associated with breast/ovarian cancer. This being said, because of the family history (even with the brca negative from my mom) my risk of bc was higher. Ask your doctor about the blood test that can be given to check the ovaries (C135 I think) they have done the test on me several times. They also do ultrasounds of the ovaries on me yearly to check for changes in them.

Sheila

Hi! My sister and I both had the BRCA test done and it came back negative and we have both been diagnosed in the past year with breast cancer. I will be having my surgery on May 23 (lumpectomy with radiation) and my sister had a double mastectomy about six months ago. Now I am also concerned about the ovaries because they call it the silent killer, so symptoms, no tests for it. What does the blood test tell you? I had the blood test for breast cancer and it came back within normal range but I still have it, could that happen with the ovarian cancer blood test also? I will start having the ultrasounds on the ovaries so they can start keeping track. Part of me would just have them removed. I have three young children I will not be able to have anymore so what difference would it make?

Thanks

Dawn 

Hi Dawn08 - My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in 1994.  She was 58 years old. At that time, I was 32 years old, and my mom's oncologoist told me to have my ovaries removed!  Scary thing to hear and I chose not to do that.  I have the CA125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound every year.  I do go every six months for an internal exam.  At the age of 46, I was diagnosed with DCIS.  My maternal grandmother passed at 32, my maternal aunt in her 40's, all from 'stomach cancer', so now my rad oncolgoist has recommended the BRCA testing.  My insurance won't cover the genetic counseling and I need to fight that battle after my radiation treatments are done with.  My sister, who is a physician assistant, will also have the BRCA testing done, but not thru her insurance company.  Doesn't want the risk of being labeled high-risk. 

Since I have to go on Tamaxofin, I will be at risk for uterine cancer.  My medical oncologist said she recommends a transvaginal ultrasound annually due to the Tamoxofin, so now I'll have two reasons to get it!!!!

There is a urine test for ovarian cancer currently being tested.  I read about this while waiting for my treatment at Boston Medical Center.  It's in the testing stages right now.  The CA125 isn't the best measurement for ovarian cancer, but it's the only one right now.  Since I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I will have the CA125 done every six months, not annually. 

If I test positive for the BRCA genes, I will have my ovaries out.  My next ob/gyn appt is in June, and my 19-year old daughter also will have her first gyn appt then, too.  I am very concerned for her future, and want to make sure she is well educated on the ovarian/bc link. 

Good luck with your surgery.