I am really sorry to hear about your loss and it must be devasting for your family and yourself. I would suggest getting tested for the faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes as well (these can also raise the risk of other cancers including breast, prostate and even pancreatic) and for Lynch syndrome as these can elevate a heridatory risk. They may also do CA125 blood tests but these are not conclusive and an elevated level would only warrant further investigation if it is found to be able 35. I am having to see my wife suffer from ovarian cancer which was diagnosed about a year ago after it had spread onto her peritoneum and surface of the liver although her first phase of her treatment was a success which stabilised the cancer present, she was given a prognosis that it is likely to return and would need further treatment but it will not eradicate the cancer in its entirety. She will have to live with monitoring and treatment for the rest of her life however long she has got left not to mention that her mental health has significantly deterioriated.
I'm sorry your mum died from ovarian cancer and you want to know if you and your brother should get tested.
We do not know what causes ovarian cancer but a small number can run in families. Different things calledrisk factorscan increase the chance of developing it. For example, getting older or having a family history of ovarian cancer. Having risk factors does not mean someone will develop ovarian cancer, and it may not be by enough to warrant genetic testing or additional screening. This is something that your GP can advise you about so do discuss it with them when you have the chance as they have been given training and guidelines in assessing people with a family history of cancer.
There are lifestyle factors that we can all follow to helpreduce our riskof developing cancer.
I hope this is of some help . Do get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
