Guidelines for genetic testing in people diagnosed with , ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer
Experts recommend all women diagnosed with , ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer at any age have genetic counseling and testing. About 15-20% of women diagnosed with , ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer will test positive for an that caused their cancer.
Other people who may benefit from genetic counseling and testing
- You may benefit from additional genetic counseling and expanded genetic testing if you had genetic testing in the past, you tested negative, and the following applies to you:
- you had a test that only looked for one or a few genes, or
- you had genetic testing before 2014. Genetic testing has improved, and laboratories can now find gene mutations that may have previously been missed.
Ovarian cancer survivors and those in treatment should speak with a genetics expert to see if testing is right for them.
Genetic testing for relatives of people who have been diagnosed with , ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer
Genetic counseling and testing is also recommended for anyone with a first-degree or second-degree relative who has been diagnosed with any of these cancers at any age.
See our sections Testing Guidelines by Cancer Type and Genetic Testing for People Who Have Never Been Diagnosed with Cancer for additional guideline information.
The following resources can help you locate a genetics expert near you or via telehealth.
Finding genetics experts
- The National Society of Genetic Counselor website has a search tool for finding a genetic counselor by specialty and location or via telehealth.
- InformedDNA is a network of board-certified genetic counselors providing this service by telephone. They can also help you find a qualified expert in your area for face-to-face genetic counseling if that is your preference.
- Gene-Screen is a third party genetic counseling group that can help educate, support and order testing for patients and their families.
- JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available.
- Grey Genetics provides access to genetic counselors who offer genetic counseling by telephone.
- The Genetic Support Foundation offers genetic counseling with board-certified genetic counselors.
Related experts
Genetics clinics
- The American College of Medical Genetics website has a tool to find genetics clinics by location and specialty.
Other ways to find experts
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards and post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers have genetic counselors who specialize in cancer.
- FORCE's toll-free helpline at: 866-288-RISK, ext. 704 will connect you with a volunteer board-certified genetic counselor who can help you find a genetics expert near you.
updated: 07/21/2023
The following organizations offer peer support services for people with or at high risk for ovarian cancer:
- FORCE peer support
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once you register, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with others who have been diagnosed.
- Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Private Facebook Group
- Virtual and in-person support meetings
- Join a Zoom community group meeting.
- LGBTQIA
- Men
- American Sign Language
- People of Color
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
- Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
- Clearity Foundation
updated: 02/05/2022