F.O.C.R.	Familial Ovarian Cancer Register
	Definitions BRCA1/BRCA2 BRCA1/BRCA2 are genes that are important for the repair of damaged DNA. If a person inherits certain altered versions of the gene, they have a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Cancer registries The network of Cancer registries throughout the UK contains records of all reported cancers in the UK since the early 1970s. Access to these records is strictly controlled for ethical reasons, to respect patients' rights of confidentiality. The records are used to assess trends in cancer incidence and survival. These data are important for planning health services. Death certificates Copies of death certificates can be requested by anyone from the offices where deaths were registered (provided sufficient details are known) for a small fee. Copies of death certificates can also be requested online at the General Register Office Epithelial ovarian cancer Epithelial ovarian cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells forming the outer layer of the ovary. Examples of epithelial ovarian cancer are serous adenocarcinomas, endometrioid adenocarcinomas, mucinous adenocarcinomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas. There are other types of ovarian cancer that are not epithelial. These include: granulosa cell tumours and choriocarcinomas. First degree relative A first degree relative is someone who is one step away (in the same bloodline) along the family tree. Your first degree relatives are your parents, your brothers and sisters and your children. Maternal On your mother's side of the family. For example, your maternal grandfather is your mother's father. Medical records All hospitals destroy medical records after a certain number of years. The length of time records are kept varies from hospital to hospital, so we may encounter difficulties if your deceased relatives died a long time ago. Oophorectomy Oophorectomy (or ovariotomy) is the surgical removal of an ovary or ovaries. Paternal On your father's side of the family. For example, your paternal grandmother is your father's mother. Prophylactic oophorectomy Removal of healthy ovaries in order to reduce the risk of disease. Second degree relative A second degree relative is someone who is two steps away in relation to you (in the same bloodline) along the family tree. For example, your second degree relatives are your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, your nephews and nieces, your grandchildren and your half brothers and half sisters.
Last update 7th September 2007	Contact the web master	About this site