BRCA Gene and Ovarian Cancer

With knowledge comes power. Detecting the BRCA gene mutation is the first step towards preventing future cancers. Dr. Samith Sandadi specializes in gynecologic disease.

“By employing these screening tests early and by counseling them on risk-reducing strategies we can definitely decrease the incidence of ovarian cancer,” says Dr. Sandadi, a gynecologic oncologist on medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

The two BRCA genes produce tumor suppressor proteins that provide quality control to DNA. If either gene is mutated, it can’t do its job. Cells are more likely to deviate and lead to cancer. When it comes to ovarian cancer, many women will begin with active surveillance.

“We would schedule you to have a trans-vaginal ultrasound at least once a year but preferably every six months. And also check a CA-125. It’s a blood test, it’s not specific to ovarian cancer, but it’s a marker that we utilize in our algorithm,” says Dr. Sandadi.

Prophylactic surgery is an option for both breast and ovarian cancer. If it’s done before menopause, removing the ovaries actually reduces the risk of both diseases. Because the ovaries are the main source of estrogen which impacts forms breast cancer.

“In these BRCA-positive patients, we can reduce their lifetime risk of breast cancer by about 50% by taking out the ovaries and tubes. And we can also reduce their lifetime risk of ovarian cancer to about that of the general population,” says Dr. Sandadi.

A personal decision, many women choose monitoring until they’re finished with childbearing.

“By the age of 40 we recommend that they do have their tubes and ovaries removed,” says Dr. Sandadi.

Genetic testing is recommended for people with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancers - an early diagnosis can be a game-changer and a lifesaver.

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.