Are you at risk of ovarian cancer? Check with your dad, according to new study

It turns out that women could inherit a few types of ovarian cancer from their father’s genes, according to new research.

Published in the Public Library of Science (PLOS), the study has discovered that a father can unknowingly be affected by a certain gene, which is then pass it on his female offspring. This gene can then develop ovarian cancer, explaining how it is possible for a woman to have ovarian cancer without her mother having a history of it.

The Paternal Gene

Ovarian cancer does not have any specific early symptoms, and yet is the 8^th most common cancer, making it hard to spot and easy to miss until later. It is a disease only women suffer from, so fathers are not often considered when looking at hereditary inheritance.

Although the gene that has been discovered usually protects against tumours forming, mutated versions of the gene can do the opposite. If a mother has a mutated version of this gene, it could then be passed on to her son. Although he may not suffer from its effects, his future daughter could also have this gene from him. In time, she could develop a type of ovarian cancer.

A Potential for Early Detection

This genetic discovery means there is new potential for detecting the illness – or rather a gene that could cause it – early. Doctors suggested the research would improve the way they consider family histories and risk of disease, as it is often focused on mothers, daughters and sisters, as opposed to second degree relatives such as grandmothers.

Ladies, the lesson to learn is this: If you are aware that your paternal grandmother (i.e. your father’s mother) suffers from ovarian cancer at some point, be wary and get tested. Although this may not be the only factor involved, it is one step closer to staying on the right side of health.

Shelina Assomull

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