The BRCA 1 and 2 genes are present in everyone, but in some people, they can be altered. Those alterations can lead to an increased chance of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. Women who carry an alteration in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes have a up to a 44% and 17% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer respectively.
If you test positive for a BRCA 1 or 2 gene alteration, the most effective way of reducing your risk of ovarian cancer would be to have preventative surgery. This surgery is often referred to as risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RR-BSO), during which both ovaries and fallopian tubes are completely removed.
For many women, the decision to undergo preventative surgery is a difficult one, particularly if you find out that you have a BRCA gene alteration ahead of having completed a family. Any woman undergoing this surgery would not be able to have children and would have an early menopause.
What is ROCA Care
If you are not ready to have preventative surgery, ROCA Care may be a helpful option. The ROCA Test is a surveillance test you have every four months that monitors your risk of having ovarian cancer. It is currently the only test endorsed in the NICE guidelines and can increase your chances of catching ovarian cancer in it’s early stages.
Find support
We understand that getting a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 diagnosis can be very difficult. There is support and we have listed some of the incredible charities and support groups that may be able to help you and provide you with additional support.
⦁ Target Ovarian Cancer
⦁ Ovacome
⦁ Cancer Research UK