[PDF] Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer - Divorce

What is hereditary breast and ovarian cancer?

A diagnosis of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) is considered when there are multiple cases of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer on the same side of the family. The chance that a family has HBOC increases in any of these situations:

Are You at higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer?

If you are a woman with a family health history of breast or ovarian cancer, you may be more likely to get these cancers yourself. Collecting your family health history and sharing this information with your doctor can help you find out if you’re at higher risk. If so, you can take steps to lower your risk.

What causes HBOC in ovarian cancer?

HBOC is most often caused by mutations (genetic changes) in the breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) genes. Mutations in other, less common genes have also been associated with HBOC. However, most breast and ovarian cancers are not related to HBOC.

What causes ovarian cancer?

The most common of the known causes of HBOC are: BRCA mutations: Harmful mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can produce very high rates of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as increased rates of other cancers.