Is Ovarian Cancer Genetically Inherited? What You Should Know

If ovarian cancer runs in your family, you may have wondered whether it can be passed down through genes. While many factors can contribute to ovarian cancer, family history can sometimes play a part. Learning how inherited genes may affect your risk can help you take proactive steps toward prevention and early detection.

Ovarian cancer and inherited genetic risk

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries – the organs that produce eggs and female hormones. It often develops silently, with few noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

About 10-25% of ovarian cancers are hereditary, meaning they’re caused by genetic mutations passed down through families, most commonly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These mutations affect the growth and repair of cells, which increases the risk of cancer over time.

However, having a genetic mutation doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get ovarian cancer. Knowing your genetic status allows you and your doctor to plan appropriate ovarian cancer screening and preventive measures to help reduce your risk.

What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that everyone has. These genes produce proteins that help repair damaged DNA in your cells, preventing them from growing out of control.

When a mutation (a harmful change) occurs in either of these genes, the repair process no longer works properly. This can allow abnormal cells to grow and may increase the risk of certain cancers.

Pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 account for the majority of inherited ovarian cancer cases; however, most ovarian cancer is not inherited. The key differences between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are:

• Risk levels:

  • Around 40% of women with a BRCA1 mutation will develop ovarian cancer by age 70 to 80

  • About 15% of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer by age 70 to 80

  • For women without BRCA mutations, lifetime risk for ovarian cancer is about 1%.

• Other cancer risks:

  • Both mutations increase the risk of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma

  • Men who carry these mutations face higher risks of breast and prostate cancer

How common is hereditary ovarian cancer?

Most cases of ovarian cancer are not inherited. However, in some families, the condition can be linked to changes in certain genes – most often BRCA1 or BRCA2. These inherited changes can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer at some point in her life.

Other genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or changes in genes like RAD51C, RAD51D, or BRIP1, can also play a role.

Even if you don’t have a confirmed gene mutation, having a close family member (like your mother or sister) with ovarian cancer can still slightly increase your risk, so it’s worth discussing your family history with your doctor.

How do you know if ovarian cancer runs in your family?

Recognising signs in your family history can help you understand your risks. Some clues include having a family history of ovarian cancer in one or more relatives, breast and ovarian cancer in multiple generations, and an early age of diagnosis for breast or ovarian cancer (younger than 50).

Consider genetic testing if you notice these patterns:

• Multiple relatives with cancer:

  • Having a mother, sister, or daughter with ovarian cancer increases your risk about fourfold.

  • Cases of ovarian cancer with other cancers such as colon, or pancreatic, uterine cancer in your family

• Early diagnosis:

  • Any relative diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer before age 50

  • The presence of male breast cancer in your family can also be a sign of a hereditary mutation.

Genetic testing for ovarian cancer

Genetic testing looks for mutations in genes that increase your risk of developing ovarian and other cancers. The test helps you understand your risk and make informed decisions about screening and prevention.

Who should consider genetic testing?

Anyone diagnosed with ovarian cancer should get tested, even without a family history. You should also consider genetic testing if you have:

• Family history of cancer:

  • A first- or second-degree relative with ovarian cancer

  • Multiple relatives with breast cancer, especially if diagnosed before age 50

• Personal cancer history:

  • Breast cancer diagnosed before age 50

• Known genetic mutations:

  • Related to someone with BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome 

If someone has a genetic mutation, their first-degree relatives have a 50% chance of carrying that same mutation.

What does the genetic test reveal?

The testing process begins with genetic counselling, followed by a simple blood or saliva sample. Results usually take a few weeks.

Your results may show:

• Positive: A mutation is found; your doctor will discuss preventive steps.

• Negative: No mutation found, though it doesn’t eliminate risk entirely.

• Uncertain: A mutation is found, but its cancer risk is unclear.

If you’re concerned about ovarian cancer risk or have a family history of the disease, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists can assess your risk and discuss whether genetic testing is right for you.

Reducing your risk if you have a genetic mutation

If you test positive for a BRCA or another gene mutation linked to ovarian cancer, there are several ways to lower your risk. Your doctor will create a tailored plan based on your age, family plans, and overall health. These options may include:

Preventive surgery

Surgery is the most effective way to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. The procedure proven to lower the risk of death from ovarian cancer is called a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries):

• For BRCA1 carriers, it is usually recommended between ages 35 and 40, or after you’ve finished having children.

• For BRCA2 carriers, it is advised between ages 40 and 45.

In some cases, a salpingectomy (removal of only the fallopian tubes) may be considered first. This approach can help reduce ovarian cancer risk while delaying menopause, with ovary removal recommended later at the target ages.

Your doctor will discuss the benefits, possible risks, and side effects – including the impact of early menopause and whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (treatment to help manage menopause symptoms) may be suitable for you.

Medications

Certain medications can also help reduce ovarian cancer risk. The best-studied option is oral contraceptives (birth control pills that contain hormones such as oestrogen and progestin). 

These pills work by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries), which may reduce stress on ovarian tissue over time. Studies have shown that long-term use of combined oral contraceptives lowers the risk of ovarian cancer.

Regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle

Although current screening methods can’t reliably detect ovarian cancer early, regular check-ups allow you to review symptoms, discuss changes, and plan preventive steps with your doctor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also play a role in lowering your overall cancer risk. Try these approaches:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid smoking

• Limit alcohol intake

If you've recently learnt you have a BRCA mutation or are unsure which preventive approach is right for you, request an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialist can guide you through tailored options that suit your health needs.

FAQ

If my mother had ovarian cancer, will I get it too?

Not necessarily. Having a mother with ovarian cancer increases your risk to about 4 times higher than average, but this doesn't mean you'll definitely develop the disease. Genetic testing can help determine if you inherited a mutation that increases your risk.

Can men carry BRCA gene mutations?

Yes. Men can inherit and pass on BRCA mutations. Men with BRCA mutations face higher risks of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. If a man has a genetic mutation, his children have a 50% chance of inheriting it.

Can I still get ovarian cancer if I don't have a family history?

Yes. The majority of ovarian cancer cases are not hereditary. Most cases occur due to non-inherited factors such as age, lifestyle, or random genetic changes that happen during a person's lifetime.

What genetic mutations cause ovarian cancer?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations make up the majority of hereditary ovarian cancer cases. Other genes linked to ovarian cancer include those associated with Lynch syndrome, as well as RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, PALB2, STK11, and ATM.

How likely is ovarian cancer to be inherited?

Most cases of ovarian cancer are not inherited. However, some women may have a genetic change passed down through their family that increases their risk. If you have close relatives who have had ovarian or breast cancer, it may be worth speaking with your doctor about genetic counselling or testing.

If I have a BRCA mutation, should my children get tested?

Your children have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. Genetic counsellors often recommend waiting until children are adults (usually 18 or older) before testing so they can make their own informed decisions. Early testing may be considered if there's a family history of childhood cancers.

Does the ovarian cancer gene skip a generation?

No, genetic mutations don't skip generations. However, not everyone with a BRCA mutation develops cancer, which can make it appear as if the gene "skipped" a generation. Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation from a parent who carries it, regardless of whether that parent developed cancer.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

Citations

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC). (2024, April 4). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer-syndrome-hboc

Ovarian Cancer risk Factors & Prevention Strategies | OCRA. (n.d.). Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. https://ocrahope.org/for-patients/prevention-risk/

Hedin, T., Desai, P. K., & Manji, F. (2024). Impact of the oral contraceptive pill on the rate of ovarian cancer incidence in different races of women. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 42(16_suppl), 10521. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.10521