Ovary removal reduces cancer risk among high risk women

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study shows that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations can reduce their cancer risk by getting their ovaries removed.
Women who have mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes already run an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Some have their breasts removed to reduce the risk. The risk of ovarian cancer over a lifetime can run from 15 to 54 per cent, so what about having the ovaries removed?

Researchers at the Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Center have looked at the risks of developing ovarian and related cancers in a group of nearly 2,000 women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Thirty per cent had preventive removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes before the study began. Another 27 per cent had them removed after the start of the study. The rest did not have surgery.

From their findings, the researchers conclude that ovary removal decreases cancer risk among high risk women. The risk reduction seems to be as high as 80 per cent which suggests that the procedure can be recommended.

Source
Journal of the American Medical Association 12th July 2006 Volume 296 pages 185-192