Laboratory Test Directory


Code

Name



BRCA1 & BRCA2 Genes: Risk for Breast & Ovarian Cancer.

2018-03-27 06:00:00


Are You at Risk for Ovarian Cancer? 

Ovarian cancer is not the most common cancer in women, but it’s one of the most deadly. The reason ovarian cancer tops the list of most lethal cancers is because it’s usually not diagnosed until it has spread outside the ovaries where it can’t be easily treated. The key to conquering this form of cancer is for women to know their risk factors and see their gynecologist yearly for a check-up. What are the most common risk factors for ovarian cancer? 
Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Some women are genetically predisposed to breast cancer, because they inherited one of two genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Having one of these two genes increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer in women. A woman with BRCA1 or BRCA2 has a lifetime risk for getting ovarian cancer as high as 40%. This is why women who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if the cancer occurred prior to menopause, should talk to their doctor about testing for these genes. If they test positive, some women may elect to remove their ovaries once they’ve finished childbearing.

Other Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors 

Genetics can certainly increase a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer, but other factors can too. Anything that increases the number of times a woman ovulates over a lifetime raises the risk of ovarian cancer. This is why using oral contraceptives, having multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding lowers ovarian cancer risk. Each month a woman breastfeeds after a pregnancy reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by as much as 2%.

 As might be expected, women who don’t get pregnant or take birth control pills have a higher risk of ovarian cancer - and so do women with a history of endometriosis. Lifestyle factors play a role too. Women who use talc powder in their genital area are at greater risk, probably because the talc causes low-grade inflammation. There are other possible risk factors that are still unproven including vitamin D deficiency and eating a diet deficient in antioxidants like those found in fruits and vegetables.

Hormones also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who use estrogen without progesterone after menopause for five or more years have a greater risk of ovarian cancer compared to women who don’t use hormonal therapy – and women who take fertility drugs for longer than a year, particularly those who don’t became pregnant while taking them are at higher risk according to some studies. 

Reducing the Risk for Ovarian Cancer: What Can You Do? 

Know your family history and talk to your doctor about BRCA gene testing if you have a family history of ovary and breast cancer. Breastfeed your children after pregnancy since this can reduce the risk of getting this deadly disease. Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables - and make sure your vitamin D level is adequate. Don’t use hormonal therapy after menopause, and avoid using powder containing talc. Most importantly, get regular gynecologic exams, especially after menopause. It could save your life. 

References: 

Menopausal Medicine. Volume 19, Number 1. February 2011. Merck Manual. Eighteenth edition. 2006.



Make a Payment

To make our medical lab services easier to use we now offer a secure online payment service.

Home Visit Requisition Form

To request a home care services or to obtain more information on Accu reference medical lab, please complete an Home Visit Requisition Form

Career Opportunities

We are always interested in expanding our professional team. If you'd like to be considered for a position, send us your resume

E-Forms

This section contains e-forms. The forms may be printed and mailed or faxed.


Find a Location

Cranford Patient Service Center
27 South Avenue West, Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 441-7710
Fax: (908) 441-7711
Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday, Friday                   : 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday                              : 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

 


Irvington Patient Service Center
40 Union Avenue, Suite 205, Irvington, NJ 07111
Phone: (862) 231-6223
Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday   : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday                     : 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thursday                        : CLOSED


Linden Patient Service Center
1901 East Linden Avenue, Unit 25, Linden, NJ 07036
Phone: (908) 474-1004
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday             :     CLOSED

Sunday               :     CLOSED


Somerset Patient Service Center
1553 Rt.27, Somerset, NJ 08873
Phone: (609) 527-9192
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday             :     CLOSED

Sunday               :     CLOSED


Succasunna Patient Service Center
225 State Route 10, Succasunna, NJ 07876
Phone: (973) 971-9314
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :   9:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Voorhees Sheppard Patient Service Center
903 Sheppard RD., Voorhees, NJ 08043
Phone: (856) 528-5915
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :   8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Voorhees White Horse Patient Service Center
1307 White Horse Rd., Suite A100, Voorhees, NJ 08043
Phone: (856) 454-5128
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     8:00 AM - 5:00 PM



Stamford Patient Service Center
111 High Ridge Road, First Floor, Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: (908) 583-6632
Hours:

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday        : CLOSED

Thursday      : CLOSED

Lunch Break : 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM



Baltimore Patient Service Center
3455 Wilkins Avenue, Suite L10-A, Baltimore, MD 21229
Phone: (410) 644-4444
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     8:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Cambridge Patient Service Center
503 Byrn Street, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (443) 477-6568
Fax: (443) 477-6530
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     6:00 AM - 1:00 PM

 


Germantown Patient Service Center
19785 Crystal Rock Drive, Suite 209, Germantown, MD 20874
Phone: (240) 247-0345
Fax: (240) 247-0344
Hours:

Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

 


Greenbelt Patient Service center
7525 Greenway Center Drive, Suite T9, Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: (856) 454-5218
Fax: (856) 454-5136
Hours:

Monday -  Tuesday  :     7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday             :     7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday                :     7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday                     :     7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday                 :     8:00 AM - 4:00 PM


West Diamond Ave Patient Service Center
806 W Diamond Avenue, Suite 100, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: (734) 212-8192
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     7:30 AM - 6:00 PM


5th Avenue Patient Service Center
5908 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Phone: (718) 880-9970
Fax: (718) 880-9970
Hours:

Monday - Thursday :  10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday                    :  10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Saturday                :  10:00 AM-6:00 PM


Brooklyn Patient Service Center
7510 4th Avenue, STE 4, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: (718) 238-2034
Fax: (718) 833-3846
Hours:

Monday - Friday    :  8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday                :  8:00 AM-1200 PM

Sunday                  :  Closed


First Medcare
8707 Flatlands Avenue, Lower Level, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Phone: (718) 210-1909
Fax: (718) 210-1910
Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday :                                 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

 

 


New Hyde Park Patient Service Center
1575 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, Suite 100-A, NY 11040
Phone: (516) 500-1047
Hours:

Monday - Friday :  7:30 AM-4:00 PM


Rockville Centre Patient Service Center
178 Sunrise Hwy, Lower Level, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Phone: (516) 442-0417
Fax: (516) 442-0418
Hours:

Monday - Friday  :    7:00 AM-7:00 PM

Saturday            :     8:00 AM-2:00 PM

 



Medical Drive Patient Service Center
1314 Medical drive, Suite 101, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: (910) 491-5253
Hours:

Monday - Thursday   :    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday                     :     8:00 AM - 2:00 PM


Skibo Road Patient Service Center
1905 Skibo Road, Suite 101, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Phone: (910) 867-7071
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :     8:00 AM - 6:00 PM


Walter Reed Patient Service Center
1220 Walter Reed Road, Suite A, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Phone: (910) 481-1956
Hours:

Monday - Thursday   :     7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday                      :     8:00 AM - 2:00 PM



Bangor Patient Service Center
225 Erdman Avenue, Bangor, PA 18013
Phone: (610) 452-9174
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :   8:00 AM - 1:00 PM


Hazelton Patient Service Center
101 South Church Street, Hazelton, PA 18704
Phone: (570) 455-0747
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :   8:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Kingston Patient Service Center
517 Pierce Street, Kingston, PA 18704
Phone: (570) 283-0674
Hours:

Monday - Friday   :   7:00 AM - 3:00 PM



ACCU Reference Louisiana Stat LAB
1532 River Oaks Road W., New Orleans, LA 70123
Phone: (504) 779-8163
Fax: (504) 779-8164
Hours:

Monday-Friday   :     7:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Metairie Patient Service Center
4213 Saxon Street, Suite #100, Metairie, LA 70006
Phone: (504) 516-2461
Hours:

Monday-Friday   :     7:00 AM - 4:00 PM



Have questions or need assistance? Call (877) 733-4522