What does it actually mean when you're told you have an increased genetic risk for ovarian cancer?
In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa is joined by Moffitt Cancer Center genetic counselors Stef Alastre and Tina Inman for a deeper look at hereditary ovarian cancer risk and what those risk numbers really mean for the individual person behind them.
The conversation goes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2 to explore other hereditary cancer genes associated with ovarian cancer risk, including Lynch syndrome, BRIP1, RAD51C and RAD51D. Stef and Tina explain why your specific gene matters, how risk can change with age, and why family history remains an important part of understanding genetic test results and making decisions about screening, prevention, and risk-reducing surgery.
They also discuss how hereditary cancer can appear to move through families in unexpected ways, why a lack of ovarian or breast cancer in your family does not necessarily mean a mutation isn't important, what a variant of uncertain significance means, and why genetic counseling can help turn complicated percentages and test results into information that is actually useful for your care.
The episode also introduces Moffitt Cancer Center's Project COURAGE, a community outreach initiative led by Tina that brings ovarian cancer education, hereditary cancer risk assessment, and genetic education directly into the community while helping address barriers to genetic counseling and testing.
Whether you've already tested positive for a hereditary cancer mutation, have a strong family history of cancer, are considering genetic testing, or simply want to better understand ovarian cancer risk, this conversation offers a clearer look at how genetics, family history, and personalized care fit together.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Moffitt Cancer Center Project COURAGE
Community Ovarian Cancer Understanding through Risk Assessment and Genetic Education. Project COURAGE provides community education about ovarian cancer risk, family history, and hereditary cancer while helping connect people with genetic counseling and testing resources.
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
Expert-reviewed, gene-specific hereditary cancer information, research resources, and support. FORCE also offers a Peer Navigation Program that can connect people with trained volunteers who share similar hereditary cancer experiences.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
Clinical guidelines used by healthcare professionals for hereditary cancer risk assessment and management. Moffitt clinicians discuss using NCCN guidance alongside personal history, family history, and individualized clinical care.
American Cancer Society
Cancer education and information, including resources related to ovarian cancer, genetic risk, and prevention.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Genetic test results and hereditary cancer risk should be reviewed with a qualified healthcare professional or genetic counselor.
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