Healthcare: Cancer Care

Hereditary Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Program

Master
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Who is at Increased Risk for Uterine or Ovarian Cancer?

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The majority of ovarian and uterine cancers are sporadic, or happen by chance, however, approximately 5-10% of cancers are caused by an underlying hereditary predisposition. Individuals with a hereditary predisposition for cancer have a genetic change (mutation) that leads to increased risks for specific cancers in them and their family members. This is called a hereditary cancer syndrome.

People with hereditary cancer syndromes benefit from increased cancer screening, as well as prevention options.  

You should consider genetic testing if you have:

  • Personal or family history of:
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Endometrial cancer or colon cancer diagnosed younger than 50 years old
  • Personal history of multiple cancers (ovarian, endometrial, colon, pancreas, breast, kidney)
  • Family history of a known genetic mutation associated with an increased risk for uterine or ovarian cancer such as Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden (PTEN Hamartoma tumor syndrome) or Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome
  • Multiple family members with cancer(s) of the endometrium, colon, ovaries, pancreas, stomach, biliary tract or urinary system
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How to Prepare for Your Visit

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  1. Talk to family members about your family history of cancer such as who has been diagnosed with cancer, what kind of cancer, and at what age they were diagnosed.
  2. Determine if any family members have had genetic testing; if so, obtain a copy of their test results.
  3. Bring any questions or notes that you have.
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What Can Everyone do to Decrease the Risk of Uterine and Ovarian Cancer?

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  • Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is very strongly associated with uterine cancer, and slightly associated with ovarian cancer.
  • Be physically active. 
  • Avoid estrogen-only hormone replacement. If you have not had a hysterectomy but need hormone replacement, it should include both estrogen and progesterone. 
  • If you have irregular periods, talk to your doctor about regulating them with birth control pills. 
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Services

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  • Genetic counseling
  • Genetic Mutation Testing 
  • Coordination of cancer screening for patients with a hereditary cancer syndrome
  • Screening and risk-reducing surgery for gynecologic cancers
  • Referrals for screening and risk-reducing surgery for other cancers as applicable
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Gynecology Oncologists

People
First Name
Claire
Middle Name
Marie Violaine
Last Name
Hoppenot
Honorific Title
MD
Assistant Professor
First Name
Jan
Middle Name
S.
Last Name
Sunde
Honorific Title
MD
Associate Professor
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Genetic Counselors

People
First Name
Georgiann
Last Name
Garza
Honorific Title
M.S, CGC
Instructor
First Name
Cathy
Middle Name
M.
Last Name
Sullivan
Honorific Title
M.S., B.S., C.G.C.
Assistant Professor