Genetic testing and ovarian cancer

This leaflet is for patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It explains the following:

• What genetic testing is.

• What genes and gene variants are.

• Whether ovarian cancers are inherited.

• Why you have been referred to the genetics clinic.

• What will happen at your clinic appointment.

• Who you can contact if you have any questions.

We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of the genetics team.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing is a blood test that looks for inherited changes in genes.

What are genes?

Genes contain our DNA. They are like an instruction manual or code that tell our cells how to function.

We have two copies (pairs) of every gene. We inherit one copy from our mother and one copy from our father.

What is a gene variant?

Sometimes a gene may have a variant (change) that is inherited from one parent or the other.

A gene variant stops a gene from working properly. This means that a person is more at risk of developing ovarian and other cancers.

Are all ovarian cancers inherited?

Most ovarian cancers are caused by a combination of chance and the environment (sporadic). As we get older, our bodies are less able to protect us from cell changes. These cell changes can lead to the development of cancer.

Fifteen to 25 of every 100 cases (15 to 25%) of ovarian cancer are due to an inherited cause. [1]

Why have I been referred for genetic testing?

You have been referred for genetic testing to see if you have inherited a gene variant.

If a gene variant is found, you can be offered regular screening. This screening will check for any other cancers that could possibly develop. It may also mean that other family members could be tested.

Where will my appointment take place?

Your clinic appointment will be at one of the East Kent Hospital sites nearest to where you live.

How long will my appointment be?

Please allow up to 45 minutes for your appointment.

Can I bring a friend or family member to my appointment?

Yes. We encourage you to bring a relative or friend with you to your appointment. Not only can they support you, but they can also ask questions that you may not have considered.

We do not advise you to bring children to your appointment.

Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

Please complete the Family History form that we sent you. Complete this form to the best of your knowledge, and bring it to your appointment. If there is information that you don't know, please don't worry.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your specialist nurse will:

• Ask you questions about your family history.

• Explain about genetic testing.

• Explain why genetic testing is being offered to you.

• Explain how testing may affect other family members.

• Explore the possible disadvantages of having a genetic test.

• Explain the different results that may come back from the test.

• Explain the next steps once your results are back.

Will I need to make a decision now?

No. There will be time for you and any relative or friend to ask questions.

You do not need to decide about having genetic testing on the day. You may need more time to think about this and discuss it with your friends and family. When you are ready, another appointment can be made.

If you decide to go ahead with genetic testing, your specialist nurse will:

• ask you to sign a consent form; and

• take a sample of blood.

What if I have any questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about your appointment, please speak to a member of the team.

• Gynae Oncology Family History and Genetics Team
  Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital
  St Peters Road, Margate, Kent CT9 4AN
  Telephone: 01227 868666 (Cancer Care Line; open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)

Further information

• Macmillan Cancer Support: genetic testing for cancer
  Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

• Target Ovarian Cancer: hereditary ovarian cancer
  Telephone: 0808 802 60 00

[Web sites last accessed 11 December 2025]

References

1. NHS England: National Genomics Education Programme (GeNotes). Ovarian cancer. 3rd May 2022.

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• Patient Voice Team
  Telephone: 01227 868605
  Email