BRCA2 With No Family History of Ovarian or Breast Cancer

HelpMe38
HelpMe38 Member Posts: 8
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi - I am 38 years old and was recently in shock to find out that I have the BRCA2 mutation. I have absolutely no family history of ovarian or breast cancer. I just had a baby. I would really prefer not to have my ovaries removed. I am not keen on hormone replacement therapy as there is a history of heart stuff in my family. I only did the gene test because normally it isn't offered. Had I not done the test, I would never have known about the mutation. I have been told that my odds of obtaining the cancer have gone from 1% (general pop.) to 11% for the ovarian. Given that there is no family history, I am leaning towards not removing my ovaries. After all, if I have the gene mutation, someone in my family probably has it, but hasn't had the cancer. Anyway, I am scared and overwhelmed. Any information, advice, or input would be greatly appreciated. I will also post this under the Breast Cancer forum since it is relevant too. Thanks.

Comments

  • carolyn45
    carolyn45 Member Posts: 100
    #2
    Keep those ovaries!
    Obviously there is BRCA2 in your family, but it never caused cancer. Having the mutation doesn't mean you get the disease. It only means that you know why if it does crop up. Since this is the truly silent cancer, you don't want to wait for symptoms, but you don't want to lose your ovaries at such a young age. If I were you, I'd have a CA 125 test done every 6 months. You'll find out what it is when you're healthy, and you can look for any changes, especially the number going up. After menopause you might consider having your ovaries removed. Then you wouldn't have to worry any more. Good luck! And you might want to read "Anti Cancer, a New Way of Life," by Dr. David Servan Schrieber. He gives easy, practical advice about how to make your body less susceptible to cancer taking hold and growing.
  • HelpMe38
    HelpMe38 Member Posts: 8
    #3
    carolyn45 said:

    Keep those ovaries!
    Obviously there is BRCA2 in your family, but it never caused cancer. Having the mutation doesn't mean you get the disease. It only means that you know why if it does crop up. Since this is the truly silent cancer, you don't want to wait for symptoms, but you don't want to lose your ovaries at such a young age. If I were you, I'd have a CA 125 test done every 6 months. You'll find out what it is when you're healthy, and you can look for any changes, especially the number going up. After menopause you might consider having your ovaries removed. Then you wouldn't have to worry any more. Good luck! And you might want to read "Anti Cancer, a New Way of Life," by Dr. David Servan Schrieber. He gives easy, practical advice about how to make your body less susceptible to cancer taking hold and growing.

    Thanks
    You have made me feel much better. I'll keep you posted.

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