Having a genetic mutation does not mean that you will get cancer. But it does place you at a higher risk for a particular cancer or set of cancers, depending on the mutation. Someone with a genetic mutation that places them at higher risk for, say, breast cancer may never develop the disease. And someone who has no known genetic mutations may still one day get diagnosed with cancer. But if you do know that you have a genetic mutation that places you at higher risk, you can discuss this with your doctor. You may get additional screenings, depending on the kind of cancer, or choose to adopt some lifestyle changes. And in the case of ovarian cancer, in particular, you may choose to take prophylactic actions, such as removing your fallopian tubes, or if past menopause and childbearing, a bilateral salpingectomy oophorectomy, that could greatly reduce your risk.