Family history of breast/ovarian cancer & screening

[Stockhausen]

Back story... maternal aunt survived breast cancer in her 30's, mum died from ovarian cancer in her 40's.

Family history is sketchy, maternal grandmother died in her 30's from heart disease/attack & we're all estranged/adopted etc.

I'm now in my 30's, one child.

I'm terrified.

Would my GP take me seriously? Ideally, I'd like my ovaries removed. Instead of the ticking time bomb I worry is inside me.

Yes, speak to your GP. I get screened yearly after losing my sister because of a late diagnosis of ovarian cancer. You are still quite young to get your ovaries removed but that's a big decision for you. I'm holding on to mine for now (I'm 50) but I am not ruling that out in the future.
The yearly blood test and ovarian scan are not too intrusive or painful btw.

I think the approach might Be different In each Health auth.

My mother, her mother, and her mother died of cancer. We know my mother's was ovarian. I was referred to a genetic counsellor. My mother's old samples were tested for BRCA genes and nothing showed up so I was told not To worry. I can Hgave early breast screening, but that won't Be for a few more years.

I did have the annual (ovarian) CA125 blood Test until the genetics Team said it was pointless without a scan too. My GP took that To mean I need no screening so I don't even have That now.

I too, would like to talk about ovary removal but don't believe my current GP will take it seriously.

karen that's no good! Sorry I thought it was a national policy
Would you not get the scan and blood test if you specifically requested them?
I didn't even need to ask, I needed a doctors line for bereavement leave from work and when I told the GP the circumstances she just set all the wheels in motion automatically. NHS at its best.

Thanks so much

I hadn't even thought about bloods/scans to keep an eye on things...

I was thinking more genetic screening, which probably wouldn't be as useful!

I've had ovarian screening every year because of a family history ... this year the GP questioned it and asked me to bring in the letter from the genetic counselling lot who had recommended it yearly. Luckily I still have the letter which recommends the screening but had to be a bit pushy. I will carry on being so ... as obviously it makes sense to be screened if there is a family risk ... NHS cutbacks at work????

Your GP should take you seriously. Do you have any Ashkenazi jewish heritage that you are aware of, either on the maternal or maternal side? If so you are automatically eligible for BRCA testing. Of not then discuss with your GP and see if they will refer you.

You can use this online checker to give a rough idea of your risk.

www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Causesriskfactors/Genetics/OPERA.aspx

The opera test says there may be faulty gene, my mum had ovarian cancer & my maternal aunt had breast cancer, both diagnosed before 40.