In the news
March 26, 2015
News that Angelina Jolie recently had her ovaries removed has sparked discussions on preventive surgery to avoid ovarian cancer. Two years ago, Jolie tested positive for BRCA1, a genetic mutation that puts her at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. She promptly went public about her double mastectomy to reduce her risk for breast cancer.
This latest disclosure has focused attention on the other cancer, ovarian cancer, which is less known and far more fatal. In fact, both her mother and grandmother have died from this disease.
Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have an increased risk for ovarian cancer that can be as high as 60%. Certain factors put women at higher risk for these genetic mutations:
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A family history of ovarian and/or breast cancer
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A family member with a known BRCA mutation
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Being of Ashkenazi Jewish or French Canadian descent
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Women with high-grade serous carcinoma
Ovarian Cancer Canada urges you to know your family history. Since genes are inherited from both biological parents, it is important to know if there have been any cases of ovarian or breast cancer on either your mother’s or father’s side. If there have been, see your doctor about being referred to a genetics counsellor.
If you are found to carry the BRCA1 or 2 mutations, talk to your doctor about options to reduce your risk. You may wish to consider:
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Preventive surgery, which includes removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This reduces risk of ovarian cancer by 80 to 98%
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Use of oral contraceptives over five years reduces risk by 50% even after you stop taking them
Undergoing preventive surgery is a very personal decision. As Jolie herself recounts, it requires thought, planning, and an understanding of the outcomes.
An estimated 17,000 women live with ovarian cancer nationwide. Each year in Canada 2,600 women are newly diagnosed. With no screening test, the disease can easily be overlooked. Being that it is often diagnosed in its late stages, ovarian cancer has a very low 5-year survival rate, making this disease the country’s most serious women’s cancer.
One of the most famous mothers in the world, Jolie’s ovaries gave life and today she is preventing ovarian cancer from taking her life. This is one story of many and everyone’s journey is different.
As the only national charity dedicated to overcoming this disease, Ovarian Cancer Canada is committed to reaching women who are at high risk. If you have any questions or require support, please call toll-free 1 877 413-7970.
Listen to Pat McDonald, volunteer, on Angelina Jolie’s decision. Clip courtesy of the Arlene Bynon Show on Canada Talks, SiriusXM (March 24, 2015):