Peter Levonian, MS, senior genetic counselor, Stanford Medicine, discusses the potential risks of genetic testing in ovarian cancer.

Although it is recommended that every patient with a diagnosis of epithelial, fallopian tube, or peritoneal ovarian cancer undergo genetic testing, some patients express concern over the potential risks of testing. There was a period of time where geneticists were concerned that learning about a genetic risk for future cancer might lead to increased anxiety; however, several social psychology studies have shown that this knowledge carries a very low risk and most patients do very well with the information.

It's important to remember that most patients who have a genetic risk for cancer already have a family history of cancer, Levonian says, and they’re aware that they may develop a cancer at some point in their lives. This risk information can better assist providers in guiding care. The knowledge that there are proactive measures that they can take to protect their health can bring a lot of comfort to patients.

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Potential Risks of Genetic Testing in Ovarian Cancer

Peter Levonian, MS, senior genetic counselor, Stanford Medicine, discusses the importance of genetic testing following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Physicians have acknowledged that every patient with a diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer should be seen by a genetic counselor, says Levonian. Experts recommend testing especially for those with nonmucinous epithelial ovarian cancer, though any patient with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be seen for a consultation. The reason for that, says Levonian, is that a significant number of cases are hereditary in nature, even if there is no family history of the disease.

Patients with no family history of ovarian cancer are often hesitant to get genetic testing because they believe there is no precedent for it, explains Levonian. However, he explains that genes that can cause a susceptibility to ovarian cancer can be as easily passed down through paternal lineage as through maternal lineage.

Peter Levonian, MS

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Potential Risks of Genetic Testing in Ovarian Cancer

The Importance of Genetic Testing Following a Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer