Preventative Hystrectomy

I'm not sure if this is the forum I should post in, so if it's not, could someone redirect me?

I came to this website because I have been researching preventative hystrecomy's, mainly due to a family history of cancer. My mom has had ovarian cancer twice and breast cancer once. I have also had a maternal aunt with breast cancer. My aunt tested negative for the brca tests (my mom has not been tested).

So, to be honest, I'm not sure if I am a carrier, but it's in the back of my head that I am. I guess it's better to assume the worst and find out the best! Thus far I haven't gotten tested for fear of my insurance being cancelled, etc...

Anyway, here's my question, has anyone out there had a total hystrectomy to prevent cancer? I've never had any "symptoms" or abnormal pap smears, but it's always in the back on my mind. An odd pain here or there always makes me worry.

A little background. I'm 29. Have had 4 children (one who was stillborn). Our others are 4, 3 and 1.

Thanks for any and all information!

I too would appreciate any info anyone might have on this topic. Thanks for asking the question Jen. My sister passed away six months ago from ovarian/uterine cancer. My aunt as well died from the same type of cancer.

My mother and younger sister have had preventative hysterctomies and I am next. Any info would be appreciated.

Drs have found many fibroids and cysts that haven't gone away for years. I suffer from heavy bleeding and pain as well.

Has either of you had a CA 125 test run? This is to test for ovarian cancer...not completely accurate, but will give an idea if you're at a high risk. I had the test run because I had a cyst on my left ovary the size of a softball, my mother had ovarian cancer, my aunt, grandmother and 2 of my cousins also had it. I, fortunately did not but went ahead and had my ovaries removed due to family history.

Best of luck to you both and please, research all of your options before you go ahead with the surgery.

Best wishes

Wendy

One can do a search here for prophylactic hysterectomy and find lots of information on this. We have had several members do this.

I would suggest that you have a consult with a gyn/onc, a doctor who specializes in gyn cancers. They can help guide you through this process.

One thing you can do is to have yearly checkups that would include things like a transvaginal ultrasound to look for cysts and changes of those. One could have a CA 125 blood test, although they have a high false positve in premenopausal women and the results of that test should not be the only thing used. A pap smear will NOT detect ovarian cancer.

I have heard of some women having yearly exams and as they approached the age their mother or sister or relative was diagnosed with the cancer, have they hyster then.

s
Jane

hi
both my sister in laws did because their mother died of ovarian cancer and because she had no sisters they felt that it was in their best interests to do so. They both had three kids and no problems with periods or cysts. My one sister in law did however have breast cancer later and she was glad she did not have to deal with a preventive surgery during that time. I think it gave them peace of mind and the surgeries went very smoothly since there was no extenduating circumstances. Their daughters all have gotten the hpv shot due to the family history. It is your decision to make. My one sister in law has had the genetic testing done while the other refused. She said it did not make sense to her to know. Interestingly enough she is the one with breast cancer. My husband has gone back and forth on wether to have it done and at this time hasn't. all the best.P.S. they were both in their early 40's when they had them done

FYI, the Hpv vaccine is for the strains of the Hpv virus that cause cervical cancer.

Hi Jen4,

I am one of the people on this site that had a preventative hyster as well well as oopherectomy and PBM. I was at a very high risk due to family history as well as being BRCA 1 and 2 positive. I never really had any problems either but I was also 43 years old. Cancer was found when the surgeries were done. I would be happy to answer any of your questions if I can. <oops, please keep support on the public forum>