Breast and ovarian cancer: what to know

Having one disease does not mean the other will develop. Personal history, the relatives affected, their ages at diagnosis and the cancer types can help a specialist decide whether genetic counselling or testing is appropriate.

Some inherited changes, including changes in BRCA genes, interfere with the way cells repair damaged DNA. A harmful inherited change may be shared by relatives and can influence breast and ovarian cancer risk. A tumour test and an inherited genetic test answer different questions, so one does not automatically replace the other.

Ovarian cancer may present with persistent abdominal swelling, pelvic or abdominal discomfort, feeling full sooner than expected, or urinary changes. Breast cancer may present with a new breast or underarm lump, nipple change, skin dimpling, or a change in breast shape. These changes also have non-cancer causes and require assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Write down cancers diagnosed on both sides of your family, including the organ involved and approximate age at diagnosis. Share any previous pathology reports or genetic results with your clinician. If testing is offered, genetic counselling can explain what a positive, negative or uncertain result could mean for treatment, future monitoring and relatives.

Evaluation is tailored to the concern. It may include a clinical examination and imaging; pelvic ultrasound can examine the ovaries but is not a stand-alone answer to every symptom. Treatment depends on the confirmed cancer type and extent and may involve surgery, medicines or supportive care.

Arrange a medical appointment for a new breast or underarm lump, unexplained nipple discharge, breast skin or shape changes, or abdominal and pelvic symptoms that persist, recur or worsen. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, marked breathlessness, heavy bleeding, or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling.

Do not wait for a routine screening visit when a new symptom needs attention. Mention any breast or ovarian cancer history and known inherited gene change when booking, because that information can shape the assessment.

Ask whether your personal and family history suggests genetic counselling, whether inherited testing or tumour profiling is relevant, and what each possible result would change. You can also ask which examination or imaging fits your symptoms, how results will be explained, and whether relatives should receive their own counselling.