Ovarian Cancer

Update : COVID boosters: What people with cancer should know

Most relevant for: People with cancer considering a COVID-19 booster

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has issued new guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations. Guidelines now recommend a booster or third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for patients with cancer, including those undergoing active treatment. Currently, these updated guidelines do not address people who had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (posted 11/16/2021)

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Study : Genetic testing for inherited mutations may be helpful for all people with advanced or metastatic cancer

Most relevant for: people with metastatic or recurrent cancer

In a study of nearly 12,000 cancer patients with a variety of cancers, eight percent of participants with metastatic cancer had an inherited mutation in a cancer gene that qualified them for a targeted treatment approved by the FDA or for participation in a clinical trial. The majority of people with metastatic cancer were unaware that they had an inherited mutation, and had not receive gene-directed treatment to which their tumor may have responded. The study authors suggest that genetic testing for inherited mutations may be warranted for all patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. (posted 9/30/21)

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Update : Blood tests called liquid biopsies for cancer screening, monitoring and treatment

Most relevant for: People considering a liquid biopsy to screen for cancer

Could a simple blood test change cancer detection, treatment and monitoring? Several companies are offering a type of blood test known as a liquid biopsy to detect multiple cancers at their earliest stages, monitor response to treatment and help choose the best treatment. Although progress has been made using liquid biopsies to treat cancer, these tests have not yet been shown to detect cancer early enough to save lives. (posted 9/29/21)

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Article : Transgender peoples' perspectives of being diagnosed with gender-associated cancer

Most relevant for: transgender people

An ABC News article provides viewpoints and data that conveys the added stress experienced by transgender and gender-nonconforming people when they are diagnosed with gender-associated cancer (e.g., ovarian or prostate cancer) that does not match their gender identity. (posted 9/13/21)

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Study : Cancer risks of people with inherited PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: people with inherited PALB2 mutations

In the largest study of people with inherited PALB2 mutations to date, the gene was linked to increased lifetime risk of breast cancer in women and men, ovarian and pancreatic cancer but not prostate or colorectal cancer. (posted 7/1/21)

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Study : Birth control pills may offer long-term protection against endometrial and ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: People concerned about endometrial, ovarian or breast cancer risk

A large study showed that birth control pills may protect against endometrial and ovarian cancers, even years after use was discontinued. (posted 6/1/21)

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Study : Body Mass Index (BMI) may affect how well aspirin use protects against colorectal and ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: People concerned about their risk of colorectal or ovarian cancer.

This study looked at the impact of daily aspirin use on the risk for many types of cancers and whether this effect can be modified by risk factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity or a family history of cancer. Daily aspirin use: 

• lowered the risk for colorectal cancer, but this effect was lost as Body Mass Index (BMI) increased.
• lowered the risk of ovarian cancer risk among obese women.
• offered little or no protection against breast, endometrial or advanced prostate cancer.

(posted 3/19/21)

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Guideline : COVID vaccines for people with cancer

Most relevant for: Cancer patients, their family and caregivers

Should cancer patients get a COVID vaccine? The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provide guidance for people with cancer. These experts recommend that most cancer patients get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is offered (unless they are allergic to a vaccine component). Cancer patients who have had recent surgery may delay vaccination a few days after surgery. Those with a suppressed immune system are advised to delay getting the vaccine until they’re healthy enough to do so. (2/1/21)

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Study : Breastfeeding may lower risk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA mutations

Most relevant for: Women considering breastfeeding who have inherited BRCA mutations.

Data from a large-scale study suggests that breastfeeding may protect against ovarian cancer in women with inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. (1/28/21)

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Study : Women support delayed removal of ovaries

Most relevant for: Women at high risk of ovarian cancer who are considering undergoing risk-reducing surgery.

Risk-reducing early removal of fallopian tubes followed by removal of ovaries at a later date was acceptable to women at high risk of ovarian cancer due to an inherited mutation in a recent study. This was especially true for women worried about sexual dysfunction associated with surgical menopause. (12/24/20)