Ovarian Cancer after Breast Cancer

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1

Hi there

I’m hoping for some guidance and hopefully some reassurance.

I’ve been having some bloating and left lower abdomen dull pain for about 3 weeks now. I went to the gp who said not concerned but sending me for an ultrasound to rule out ovarian pathology and my mind is a mess!

I was diagnosed with her2+ breast cancer in 2020 at 32. Not on any meds now as none hormone positive. Had genetic testing at the time and no known gene mutations. I’m 36 now.

I guess my question is what is the likelihood of secondaries in the ovaries? Or a new primary cancer of ovarian with no gene mutations?

Trying to find balance but struggling x

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I’m coming from a different place, as I do have a gene mutation associated with ovarian cancer and monitoring this risk is part of my routine, but I can understand how daunting it is to think about it now, when you’ve just been through breast cancer! You’re very brave!

From what I know, the odds for ovarian cancer go up substantially from the age of 40 in general, but it’s worth checking the statistics in your particular case with an oncologist. Doing the scan, as recommended sounds like a sensible next step and you can take it from there! Statistically speaking, even if you have anything it’s more likely to be benign but the doctors can advise on next steps once they have more information. Sometimes removing something benign is better than waiting for it to develop.

Depending on whether you wish to have more children, there are certain risk mitigation operations that doctors may discuss with you down the line. What I personally found helpful is that no one is talking about doing anything to the ovaries themselves unless there is something going on with them specifically. They usually can stay where they are and continue producing hormones!

3

Hello georgiemay35,

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable that you are concerned about the cause of the abdominal bloating and dull pain you have been experiencing, particularly considering your previous breast cancer treatment.

It’s natural that you are worried but good that your GP has referred you for a scan.

As you know there is an increased risk of ovarian cancer in some women treated for breast cancer and this is likely to be due to genetic mutations in some women. As your genetic testing showed no mutations, your risk of developing ovarian cancer is likely to be similar to women who have not had breast cancer taking into account any other risk factors that you may have. Ovarian cancer is less common than breast cancer. Most women have a 2% risk of getting ovarian cancer during their lifetime and as @tinatin says this does increase with age.

Breast cancer secondaries in the ovary can occur but are rare, as @tinatin says the symptoms you are experiencing are much more likely to be due to a benign cause.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.

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Best wishes

Mandy

Breast Care Nurse

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