Managing Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome

Some cancers have a genetic link. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is an inherited condition that puts some women at higher risk for developing breast cancer, as well as other cancers. Knowing more about this condition can help you make choices to prevent or detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper provides a full-service program for women at high risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Our cancer specialists work closely together to assess your individual risk and provide personalized recommendations. We empower you with tools to help lower and manage your risk while still living your life to the fullest.

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk: What You Should Know About HBOC

HBOC is most often caused by an abnormality in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Here’s what you should know about this condition:

• What it is: HBOC is caused by gene mutations, or variations, that increase a person’s risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Although most cancers are not inherited, about 5 percent of people who have breast cancer have HBOC.
• What it means for you: People who have HBOC are more likely to develop breast, ovarian, and other cancers. For this reason, people with HBOC have different screening and prevention guidelines, often requiring more frequent or more sensitive testing than those with average risk. Knowing your risks can help you follow specific early detection and prevention guidelines to reduce your risk of cancer. Learn more about our breast cancer risk assessment program.
• What it means for your family: Because HBOC is passed from generation to generation, the diagnosis can also affect your family members. If genetic testing identifies the specific mutation causing HBOC, then they can be tested, too.
• What steps you can take: Our breast cancer risk assessment program helps determine your risk of developing breast cancer, now and in the future. We’ll educate you on cancer prevention or risk reduction strategies, including screening exams or preventive surgery. All of our recommendations will be tailored to your specific circumstances.