Do BC survivors have higher risk of ovarian, uterine, cervical cancer?
How many of you decided / were told to get a full hysterectomy (ovaries, tubes, uterus, cervix) because you're now higher risk for cancer of these organs after having BC? I'm finding conflicting info on this. I will have ovaries/tubes done since I need to be on an AI but I've heard that removing uterus and cervix may just be 'extra' surgery. But I dont want to keep them if I need to worry about increased uterine or cervical cancer risks either.
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lilacs777-
I was diagnosed with the genetic mutation Brca2. That provided an added risk for ovarian cancer and at the City of Hope in Duarte California, I had the estrogen produces of my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed only.
Have you covered this with your medical team? The answer would come from results you currently have, family history and genetic findings. More will post I am sure.
@lilacs777
I had my ovaries and tubes removed at the same time I had my mastectomies because I have the BRCA2 mutation. I requested removing my uterus as well to avoid any future surgery there. My OB/GYN declined my request because it was not necessary and he said complications are more likely when removing the uterus. Have you had genetic testing to see if you have any elevated risks?
Zebra,
Same for me.
lilacs the answer lies in your mutations. Genetic mutations reveal the areas of increased risk. Somatic mutations
of the tumor (they'll be listed on the pathology report) give you a better idea of likely areas of metastasis. If you haven't had genetic counseling it might benefit your decisions. You may have to request the counseling.
Bless your choice.
I have received conflicting opinions on this. My PCP is adamant about surgery for a hysterectomy. He stated any woman who had BC should have the surgery. My oncologist stated after a woman enters menopause, she no longer is producing estrogen in her ovaries so therefore does not need the surgery. My BC was ER/PR + HER-.
I was actually dx with "border-line" (early) ovarian cancer in my early 30's and was told I should eventually have a complete hysterectomy. Was able to have the two children we wanted - then my onco said if you're done, let's remove everything. Fast forward about 30 years, I'm dx with BC and find out I'm TNBC and BRCA2. It was after I was dx BC that I found out there is a higher instance of Ovarian Cancer and BC when you have BRCA gene - so I requested the test to determine I had the gene. No one else in my family ever had BC I am the first. I've requested children to be tested. Our son carries the gene, our daughter does not. Both have children. None of my siblings, to my knowledge, have been tested. Only one sibling has children - she's the one that should get tested to see if she has and could have passed the gene to her children.
I had endometrial cancer first. Very small and had hysterectomy. A year later I had breast cancer. Had lumpectomy. Very small. I might have had breast cancer the same time I had endometrial cancer. Breast cancer did not show on mammos. I felt it because it was close to the surface. I. Have ultrasounds and mri once a year after ultra sounds every 3 months.
@kstar077 thank you for sharing your story. Can I ask if the ultrasounds and mri are for checking for recurrence of breast cancer or pelvic for recurrence of the endometrial cancer? I was told with a mastectomy for bc that they will no longer do any scans, not even ultrasound or MRI, to proactively check for recurrences, which is frustrating. They want you to wait until you feel a lump before they'll check anything.
I had a lumpectomy clear margins no radiation lymph nodes clear. 11mm ILC. 8% chance reoccur. That is why I have ultra sound and mri follow ups. I do not have mammo because mammo did not show my cancer. I felt it.
After masectomy there is no breast tissue so I think you do not need mammo anymore or ultrasound or mri. Nothing to photograph. If you feel a lump at your chest or see your oncologist or breast surgeon. I am sure you see them every 3 months then 6. They check you in gp too. Good luck