BRCA1 gene Senior Citizen

Babboo

BRCA1 gene Senior Citizen

Babboo

Hope some one can help me.  Had partial hysterectomy (1971) Breast cancer (1990) been clear ever since.  My 39 year old daughter is undergoing chemo for breast cancer as we speak.  In Feb. we were both tested for the BRCA 1 gene which we both have.  I under went a trans vaginal ultra sound to see if I have my ovaries.  Yes, I do.   The doctors want me to have them removed , but after 38 years, I am sure they are not functioning.  Why have them removed?

Is there anyone in the same predicament that I am in with the BRCA 1 gene. other people who are in my age group, who still have their ovaries. am in good health, have a diagnostic mammogram every year.  If my daughter did not come down with breast cancer I would of never been screened for the BRCA1, in fact I did not even know it existed.  If someone could answer all my questions I would be forever grateful.

Thanks 

Anonymous

Even after menopause, when your ovaries are no longer producing estrogen, you can develop ovarian cancer.  According to M.D. Anderson's Cancer Center:

Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age and occurs most often in women over the age of 50, with the highest risk in women over 60.

M. D. Anderson goes on to say:

Currently, there is no effective early detection method for ovarian cancer. It is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, and only about half of women survive longer than five years after diagnosis.

Additionally, many women have no symptoms of ovarian cancer until the cancer is very advanced - but which time it can already have metastasized. 

If it were me, I'd have my ovaries removed ASAP.  The surgery can be done laparoscopically, and it's just not worth of keeping your ovaries -especially since you know you carry the BRCA1 gene.