Cancer can sometimes run in families. This happens because of changes in our genes. Did you know that up to 10% of all cancers are caused by a mistake in our genes? Also, more than one fifth of ovarian cancers are related to hereditary gene faults. The most common of these faults are in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Why It’s Important To Know About Gene Faults
Knowing your risk helps you and your doctor make better health choices. Here are some reasons why it’s important:
- Early Detection: If you know you have a higher risk, you can get regular check-ups. This helps doctors find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
- Preventive Measures: You can take steps to lower your risk. This might include lifestyle changes or preventive surgeries.
- Family Planning: If you know about your gene faults, you can make informed decisions about having children.
Using the Hereditary Risk Calculator
The Hereditary Risk Calculator is easy to use:
- Answer Questions: You will answer some questions about your family’s health history.
- Get Your Results: The calculator will tell you if you might have a higher risk of hereditary cancer.
- Next Steps: If your results show a higher risk, you can talk to a doctor or a genetic counselor. They can help you decide what to do next.
Sharing information on genetic faults
Our ovarian cancer prevention strategy
Our report from 2017 highlighted the issues with genetic testing access and eligibility. This has to change. Take a look what we're doing to improve prevention of ovarian cancer.
Donate to ovarian cancer research
One-off donation options
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£5
Donate £5 to support life-saving awareness campaigns to see more women getting diagnosed early.
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Donate £10 to help educate hundreds of health-care professionals about the complexities of ovarian cancer.
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£15
Donate £15 to support our researchers with the tools they need to build the next breakthrough towards a national screening service.
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Donate £20 to fund our researchers developing ground-breaking treatments at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre.
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Monthly donation options
-
£5
Donate £5 to support life-saving awareness campaigns to see more women getting diagnosed early.
Donate £5 -
£10
Donate £10 to help educate hundreds of health-care professionals about the complexities of ovarian cancer.
Donate £10 -
£15
Donate £15 to support our researchers with the tools they need to build the next breakthrough towards a national screening service.
Donate £15 -
£20
Donate £20 to fund our researchers developing ground-breaking treatments at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre.
Donate £20