DNA Link Found for Ovarian Cancer

A recent article, Genetic Link to Ovarian Cancer Found, reports that researchers from the Cancer Research UK Genetic Epidemiology Unit found that women with ovarian cancer carry an altered genetic code on chromosome nine. Scientists found that women had a 40 percent higher risk of developing this type of cancer when they have both copies of the DNA variation. The risk of having both copies is about 14 in 1000. The development of ovarian cancer for women with only one copy of the DNA variation is 20 percent.

What does this mean to you? It means that if your mom, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister or other female ancestors suffer(ed) from ovarian cancer, you have a pretty good chance of having the DNA variation. The only way to find out if you have both DNA variation copies, which gives you the greatest risk for the cancer, is to get a genetic test. Since scientists now know where the gene is that carries this DNA code for ovarian cancer, it’s easier to test and identify it.

If you do end up having both of the copies, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get it. Remember, there is a 40 percent chance…so less than half of a chance. However, it’s important to get checked regularly so if you do start to develop it, you have the best chance of fighting it by catching it early.

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlesister/492937184/)

August 10th, 2009 by Marcelina Hardy | Posted in Genetics and Health | (0)