What are prevention options for women with RAD51C pathogenic variants?

Hamilton Health Sciences genetics team offers the following suggestions for women who have tested positive for RAD51C:

  • Consideration of risk-reducing mastectomy
  • Recommendation of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes)
  • Consider risk-reducing agents/chemoprevention
  • Consider the use of contraceptive pills

Unlike breast cancer, ovarian cancer is very difficult to detect early and available screening tests are not effective at detecting ovarian cancer early when it is most treatable.  Therefore, it is recommended that women with a pathogenic variant of the RAD51C gene consider surgery to preventively remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, ideally between the ages of 45-50.

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