Q:   What are the treatment options for ovarian cancer?
A:   Treatments will vary depending on the stage of disease, the woman's age, and the overall condition of her health. Three primary types of treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

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Q:   How can I find out if I have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and what if I do?
A:   First, realize that everyone has these genes. They are designed to help prevent the over-production of cells. Only five percent of women have a mutation in one or both of these genes. If you have a defect in the BRCA1 gene, it means that you may have a 15 percent to 60 percent chance of getting ovarian cancer.

If you have a history of ovarian cancer in your family, you can seek the help of a qualified genetic counselor to do an extensive history and to obtain advice about whether or not to proceed with the test. Finally, if either of these genes is defective, it doesn't mean you'll get cancer. And you can take preventive steps to make sure you don't. Seek advice from your health care professional on how to proceed.

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Q:   My father had colon cancer and I heard that, not only am I a candidate for the same disease, but that my chances for ovarian cancer are increased as well. Is that true?
A:   Yes. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer is caused by a defect in certain genes. This defect reduces your body's ability to repair damage to its DNA, and results in very high risks for colon, endometrial (the lining of the uterus) and ovarian cancers. Again, if you've got cancer in the family, you may want to consider genetic counseling and testing.

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Q:   Why am I supposed to avoid talcum powder?
A:   Some studies have shown that when women put talcum powder directly on the genital area, or even on sanitary napkins, it may have a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effect. You might want to substitute a cornstarch-based product to be sure.

Copyright 2003 National Women's Health Resource Center Inc. (NWHRC)

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