The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) has launched a new campaign designed to encourage individuals at risk of ovarian cancer to consider at-home screening and preventive surgery.
The OCRA's campaign, taking place during September's Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, encourages individuals with a family history of ovarian or related cancers "to proactively undergo genetic testing to assess their risk of ovarian cancer," the organization stated in a press release.
To assist, the OCRA is providing a pilot program for free at-home genetic testing and is also encouraging individuals at risk, including those considered to be at "average risk," to consider surgery for the removal of organs that might be susceptible to future cancer if they undergo another pelvic surgery—a move the OCRA deems "pioneering."
According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be around 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer this year. It is the 18th most common cancer in the U.S., making it a relatively rare cancer, though it is the 13th most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., with the risk of death and the disease rising with age.
“Ovarian cancer is a formidable adversary,” Audra Moran, president and CEO of OCRA, said in the release. “However, we have a powerful tool at our disposal to significantly reduce the risk: genetic testing.
“While ovarian cancer is considered rare, individuals with a genetic mutation face a staggering risk increase to 40-50% or even higher. Knowing your risk level is paramount.”
According to the OCRA, it has distributed 1,041 free genetic test kits to eligible individuals. It has already identified 58 cases with a genetic mutation that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer, the organization said.
“Genetic testing is the key to unlocking crucial information about ovarian cancer risk,” added Moran. “Nearly 20% of ovarian cancer patients carry a genetic mutation that likely triggered their cancer."
There are a number of big-selling ovarian cancer drugs, including AstraZeneca’s PARP inhibitor Lynparza and more recently Immunogen’s Elahere. There are also a number of genetic screening tests for ovarian cancer with many seeking out the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can up the risk of the disease.