ovarian cancer : How Are Ovarian Cancer Inherited?

By studying patterns of breast and ovarian cancer in families, researchers have learned that mutations in specific genes can predispose women to these types of cancer. In fact, mutations in just two different genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2 — account for the majority of what scientists term hereditary breast and hereditary ovarian cancer cases.

All women have some risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. But having a family history of breast and ovarian cancer can mean a significantly increased risk for you. So the first step to understanding your risk is by analyzing your family's medical history. Such an analysis will take into account how many people in your family had breast or ovarian cancer and at what age the cancer developed. Once you know your risk level, you and your doctor can determine a screening schedule that is appropriate for you.

By Kari Danziger,