Earlier this week, former James Bond Pierce Brosnan, announced his 41-year-old daughter Charlotte died from ovarian cancer, the same disease that killed her mother and her grandmother. Dr. Heather Einstein, from Hartford Hospital, joined the Fox CT Morning Extra to talk more about ovarian cancer and what we should all know about it.
Statistics on inherited risk of ovarian cancer:
- About 5-10% of ovarian cancers diagnosed are hereditary.
- Breast and ovarian cancer are the most common diseases linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 changes.
- Women with an altered BRCA1 gene have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer by 40-60% by age 85.
Tips for reducing the risk for ovarian cancer:
- Oral contraceptives may be taken to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Women with BRCA mutations may choose to have surgery to reduce their cancer risk.
- The earlier the ovaries are removed, the greater the decrease in risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms
Note: The symptoms listed above are relatively common and occur with any number of ailments. When the occurrence is unusual, frequent, and lasts longer than a few weeks, they should prompt a woman to consult with a doctor.