World Cancer Day 2025: The role of family history in the risk of gynecological cancer

Last update:03 February 20, 2025, 21:00 Ist

While the lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the risk of cancer, family history remains one of the most crucial but often overlooked the determinants

World Cancer Day 2025: Despite the significance of the family history in the risk of cancer, many women do not remain aware of its implications.

Gynecological cancers – including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar – constitute a significant burden for health for women. While the lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the risk of cancer, the family history remains one of the most crucial, but often, often overlooked. Understanding the genetic predisposition can help to detect early, preventive strategies and personalized medical interventions. Dr Randeep Singh, director and senior consultant, medical oncology, Narayana Gurigram hospital shares everything you need to know:

Understanding genetic risk

Family history plays an essential role in certain types of gynecological cancer, especially in ovarian and uterine cancers. Women with first -degree relatives (mother, aunt, sister or daughter) diagnosed with these types of cancer have a higher probability of developing them. This risk is amplified when several family members are affected.

Some of the key hereditary conditions related to gynecological cancer include:

1. Hereditary syndrome of breast and ovary cancer (HBOC) – BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations significantly increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Women with these mutations may have a risk of up to 44% on ovarian cancer development.
2. Lynch syndrome – this inherited condition is associated with a higher risk of endometrial (uterine) and ovarian cancer due to mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2). Women with Lynch syndrome have a 40-60% life risk of developing endometrial cancer.
3. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and cowden-alba syndrome rarely, these syndromes are also related to increased risks of gynecological cancer and other types of cancer.Identification of high risk peopleWomen with a strong family history of gynecological or connected cancer (breast, colon, prostate or pancreatic) should be subject to a comprehensive risk assessment, which may include:
4. Genetic counseling – Genetic counselors can evaluate personal and family history to evaluate risk levels and to recommend genetic testing if necessary.
5. Genetic testing – blood or saliva tests can detect mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or repair repairs associated with Lynch syndrome.

   Preventive strategies and early detectionFor women identified as high -risk, several preventive measures can help alleviate the chances of developing gynecological cancers:

6. Regular screeningWhile routine screening for ovarian cancer is not widely recommended, high risk women can benefit from transvaginal ultrasounds and CA-125 blood tests. Endometrial biopsy can be advised for those at uterine cancer.
7. Surgery to reduce riskWomen with BRCA mutations or Lynch syndrome may take into account prophylactic surgery such as salpingo-oophorectomy that reduces the risk (ovaries and uterine tubes) or hysterectomy (uterus removal).
8. Changes in lifestyleA healthy diet, regular physical exercises, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can decrease the overall risk of cancer.
9. ChemopreventionIt has been shown that drugs to stop cancer, such as oral contraceptives, reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women at high risk.

   The role of awareness and educationDespite the significance of the family history in the risk of cancer, many women do not know its implications. Medical service providers must actively engage in educating patients on their genetic risk and in available preventive options. Open conversations in families in terms of health history can also empower women to make known decisions. The history of the family is a powerful predictor of the risk of gynecological cancer. Recognition of genetic predisposition allows proactive measures, including screening, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery. Increased awareness and early detection can make a critical difference in improving results and saving life.