ASK EVE - GENETIC TESTING IN OVARIAN CANCER

We all have thousands of genes. They are vital for life and hold the information  our bodies use to grow and function properly. In some cases, genes play a role in protecting us from cancer.

If you, or someone close to you, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may well hear about certain genes and be asked to consider whether you would like to be tested to see if you have any alterations on them (sometimes called gene mutations).

Knowing if you have alterations on certain genes may be very important. 

Sometimes genes can become altered, meaning that they do not work in quite  the way they should. Genetic testing checks to see if you have any of these  altered genes. If we know this, we can tell if a person may be at a higher risk  of developing some cancers. For those already diagnosed with a cancer (such as ovarian cancer), it also helps to assess what the most appropriate treatment may be.

Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in our understanding of genes and the role they play in some cancers if they become altered. Having this knowledge should therefore help you or your family to make any important decisions.

Ask Eve is always here to help

Genetic testing can be complicated, and it is not always easy to be sure of the best thing to do. To help you better understand your options, The Eve Appeal has developed the attached booklet using the latest clinical guidance developed by  the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and the British Association of  Gynaecological Pathology.

But of course, every person’s situation is different. Whether you or someone  close to you has been diagnosed, if you are uncertain about your options you  can always contact Ask Eve - The Eve Appeal’s nurse-led information service.  You can contact them  by phone or email. They are here to listen and always happy  to help.

Email: [email protected] 

CALL:  0808 802 0019

WEBSITE:  www.eveappeal.org.uk