Guidelines for genetic testing in people diagnosed with fallopian tube, ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer

Experts recommend all women diagnosed with fallopian tube, ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer at any age have genetic counseling and testing. About 15-20% of women diagnosed with fallopian tube, ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer will test positive for an inherited mutation 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 fallopian tube, 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.