Ovarian Cancer

BRCA ovarian cancer statistics

Together, we can change lives - Your Chance to Make a Difference

Woody and Karen Orofino

Woody Orofino and his mom, Karen, shared a love of the outdoors.

Woody Orofino has raised more than $100,000 for Ovarian Cancer Research at UCSF through hikes and bike rides that honor the memory of his mom, Karen, who passed away in 2014.

Watch this video to learn more about how Woody and his family turned their grief into support for UCSF clinician and scientist Jocelyn Chapman, MD in her work to develop a test to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages.

Join the movement to turn the tide on ovarian cancer by making a gift on Woody's crowdfunding page or spread awareness by joining the Annual Walk for Karen in San Francisco. Learn more at: givingtogether.ucsf.edu/ForKaren

 


Genetic testing is the only current way to prevent ovarian cancer. For more information, please see our genetic testing FAQ page. To schedule an appointment at the UCSF Hereditary Cancer Clinic, call (415) 353-9797.


Ovarian Cancer

Approximately 15% of all ovarian cancers are thought to be caused by an inherited genetic mutation. National guidelines recommend that anyone with ovarian cancer undergo genetic testing regardless of age of diagnosis. Thanks to advances in genetic testing we now know that there are many genes associated with an increased risk for ovarian cancer. These genes include but are not limited to BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, TP53, PALB2, BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D and STK11.

The most common causes of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome is caused by mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A woman who has a mutation in BRCA1 has a 44% chance of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime. The chances of developing ovarian cancer with a BRCA2 mutation are somewhat lower, approximately 17%, compared to a 1-2% risk of ovarian cancer in the general population. Cancers of the fallopian tube and peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) are also seen more frequently in people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

The good news is that there are things that can be done to lower one's risk of ovarian cancer if she is found to be at an increased risk. To learn about screening for hereditary ovarian cancer, visit our Prevention and Surveillance page.