In this episode of her in-depth epithelial ovarian cancer series, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor tackles a question many women get wrong: Which family members actually affect your risk?

She breaks down the crucial difference between family history and hereditary genetic mutations—and explains why they are not the same thing. You’ll learn which relatives truly matter (hint: it’s both maternal and paternal sides), why first-degree relatives carry the greatest weight, and how even one close family member with ovarian cancer raises your risk by about 5% above the already low average risk of 1.4%.

Dr. Taylor cuts through the confusion, clarifies common mix-ups with breast cancer risk, and shows you why the details—yes, even the nitty gritty—matter when assessing your personal risk.

If you’ve ever wondered how your family tree shapes your health future, this episode connects the dots with precision and clarity.

Visual learner? Find the corresponding Menopause Taylor YouTube video here.

Click here for more about one-on-one consultations and Dr. Taylor's menopause resources.

Looking for a roadmap to successful menopause management? Dr. Taylor's new ebook, How to Win at Menopause: A Guide to Raising - and Winning- Your Game Your Way, will bring confidence and clarity to your menopause journey. Avoid common pitfalls and learn to navigate a healthcare system that focuses more on disease than prevention, where many professionals lack the relevant education and/or the motivation to help you.