Baylor Health Care SystemAbout B

Cancer Care

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

hereditary cancer risk, gynecologic cancer risk, ovarian cancer risk, uterine cancer risk 
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Hereditary Cancer Risk Program

214.820.9600
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Hereditary Gynecologic Cancer  

Is Ovarian Cancer Genetic?

Ovarian cancer can happen by chance, can be caused by environmental exposures, or can be caused by a mutation in a gene.  When cancer happens by chance or environmental exposures we call it “sporadic.”  About 90% of all ovarian cancers are sporadic.

About 10% of ovarian cancer is caused by a genetic syndrome.  Individuals with genetic syndromes have a mutation (or change) in a gene that causes them to be at increased risk for ovarian cancer.  These mutations are typically inherited from either parent and can be passed on to children.  People with genetic cancer syndromes may be at risk to develop other types of cancers as well.  Learning if you have a cancer syndrome can help you understand your risk to develop cancer, your family’s risk to develop cancer, and potentially provide you with ways to reduce your cancer risk. 

What Are Some Example of Genetic Syndroms That Could Cause Ovarian Cancer?

Is Uterine Cancer Genetic?

Uterine cancer can be genetic.  There are several risk factors for uterine cancer, such as aging, being overweight, and having certain exposures.  Uterine cancer is more likely to be genetic in young women who do not have other risk factors. 

What Kinds of Genetic Syndromes Could Cause Uterine Cancer?

Is Cervical Cancer Genetic?

Cervical cancer is rarely genetic and is most often caused by other risk factors.  Talk to your physician to learn more about the risk factors associated with cervical cancer.