Is there a link between DCIS and ovarian cancer

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Dawn08
Dawn08 Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Is there a link between DCIS and ovarian cancer
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  • Dawn08
    Dawn08 Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2008

    Hi!

    I was diagnosed with DCIS with microinvasion. I remember someone telling me that the breasts are compasionate with the ovaries, meaning if you get breast cancer you have a higher chance of getting ovarian cancer. Does anybody know if that is true?

    Thanks

    Dawn

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited May 2008

    Dawn, The Breast and Ovarian cancer genes run together. My aunt had ovarian cancer in 1978 and my mom had BC in 2001. My mom did have the genetic test done and she was brca negative, meaning she did not have either of the mutated genes that they have associated with breast/ovarian cancer. This being said, because of the family history (even with the brca negative from my mom) my risk of bc was higher. Ask your doctor about the blood test that can be given to check the ovaries (C135 I think) they have done the test on me several times. They also do ultrasounds of the ovaries on me yearly to check for changes in them.

    Sheila

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  • puppyholic
    puppyholic Member Posts: 298
    edited May 2008

    Hi Dawn, I had DCIS and had gene testing done. Both negative. The blood test for ovarian cancer is CA125. My internist does it every year. He's great.

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  • Dawn08
    Dawn08 Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2008

    Hi! My sister and I both had the BRCA test done and it came back negative and we have both been diagnosed in the past year with breast cancer. I will be having my surgery on May 23 (lumpectomy with radiation) and my sister had a double mastectomy about six months ago. Now I am also concerned about the ovaries because they call it the silent killer, so symptoms, no tests for it. What does the blood test tell you? I had the blood test for breast cancer and it came back within normal range but I still have it, could that happen with the ovarian cancer blood test also? I will start having the ultrasounds on the ovaries so they can start keeping track. Part of me would just have them removed. I have three young children I will not be able to have anymore so what difference would it make?

    Thanks

    Dawn 

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  • louishenry
    louishenry Member Posts: 417
    edited May 2008

    Hi Dawn. There is a link between the two, however it's not like this huge percentage. I don't know the numbers, but unless you test positive for the brca gene, the numbers are not that worrisome. I am on tamoxifen and have fibroids (pre-dcis) so I get a vaginal ultrasound every six months and they check my uterine lining as well as the ovaries.I read that the ca125 test is not that reliable, so I think the vaginal us is as good as it gets right now. Good luck, Nada

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  • murphmort
    murphmort Member Posts: 157
    edited May 2008

    Hi Dawn08 - My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in 1994.  She was 58 years old. At that time, I was 32 years old, and my mom's oncologoist told me to have my ovaries removed!  Scary thing to hear and I chose not to do that.  I have the CA125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound every year.  I do go every six months for an internal exam.  At the age of 46, I was diagnosed with DCIS.  My maternal grandmother passed at 32, my maternal aunt in her 40's, all from 'stomach cancer', so now my rad oncolgoist has recommended the BRCA testing.  My insurance won't cover the genetic counseling and I need to fight that battle after my radiation treatments are done with.  My sister, who is a physician assistant, will also have the BRCA testing done, but not thru her insurance company.  Doesn't want the risk of being labeled high-risk. 

    Since I have to go on Tamaxofin, I will be at risk for uterine cancer.  My medical oncologist said she recommends a transvaginal ultrasound annually due to the Tamoxofin, so now I'll have two reasons to get it!!!!

    There is a urine test for ovarian cancer currently being tested.  I read about this while waiting for my treatment at Boston Medical Center.  It's in the testing stages right now.  The CA125 isn't the best measurement for ovarian cancer, but it's the only one right now.  Since I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I will have the CA125 done every six months, not annually. 

    If I test positive for the BRCA genes, I will have my ovaries out.  My next ob/gyn appt is in June, and my 19-year old daughter also will have her first gyn appt then, too.  I am very concerned for her future, and want to make sure she is well educated on the ovarian/bc link. 

    Good luck with your surgery. 

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  • Lisa75
    Lisa75 Member Posts: 137
    edited January 2012
    Interesting. My mom had ovarian cysts that grew pretty large. She had a partial hysterectomy at 19, (cyst in one ovary) had me at 31 and then had another cyst when she was 34, and had the complete hysterectomy done. Before finding out she was pregnant, the DR had thought I was a cyst at first!
    I was always afraid I would get that too....but have DCIS.
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  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited January 2012

    My dermatologist told me there is also a link with breast and skin cancer, and to be sure I have my annual skin check.

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  • Anne888
    Anne888 Member Posts: 58
    edited January 2012

    Yes, there is a link between melanoma skin cancer and breast cancer.  There is no breast cancer in my family, but mom was diagnosed with melanoma in her 60's.  She had a recurrence 10 years later and passed away despite treatment.  I  had DCIS in my early 50s.  Now I'm as careful with my skin as I am about breast cancer.

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  • GreenMonkey
    GreenMonkey Member Posts: 666
    edited May 2012

    I had melanoma when I was 40 (also countless basal cells) and DCIS, LCIS, ADH, ALH at 52.  No family history of cancer of any type.

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  • speech529
    speech529 Member Posts: 337
    edited May 2012

    I was diagnosed with DCIS, grade 3 with comedonecrosis at age 51 (two years ago). My mother died of ovarian cancer 8 years ago and I had two aunts with breast cancer. All were in their 70s. There are so many cancers in my family of origin (mom, dad, sister & brother have all had a different cancer!) and my extended family (lung, colon, skin, stomach, lymphoma, thyroid).



    I had BRCA testing -- both negative. I saw a genetic counselor who told me that this did not guarantee that there was not another genetic mutation. Her theory was a gene mutation for colon cancer.



    So as far as a direct link between BC & OC...it's hard to say. There may be a different mutation.



    Coincidentally, I was dx with uterine prolapse at the time of the DCIS dx....hysterectomy with removal of ovaries was recommended and I did follow through. It's not an easy decision, but for me it was an appropriate one.



    I also had a unnatural MX (nipple sparing) with immediate reconstruction. I'm doing well and thankful for excellent medical care.

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