Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

Prevention list: Methods of prevention of Ovarian Cancer mentioned in various sources includes those listed below. This prevention information is gathered from various sources, and may be inaccurate or incomplete. None of these methods guarantee prevention of Ovarian Cancer.

Prophylactic ovary removal - early removal of the ovaries; usually only considered for very strongly inherited subtypes.

Prevention of Ovarian Cancer: There are no known methods to guarantee prevention of ovarian cancer. Women who are diagnosed in an early stage, however, have a higher survival rate. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is usually not diagnosed at an early stage. There are no effective methods currently for diagnosing ovarian cancer early in all women and thus intervening at an early stage. Currently, there are many programs attempting to develop strategies for diagnosing ovarian cancer early.¹

Women at a very high risk of developing ovarian cancer can consider removal of the ovaries. Such a "prophylactic" removal of the ovaries appears to lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer, but does not eliminate the risk. Women with one first-degree relative with ovarian cancer have a risk of developing the disease, which is approximately 3.1%. A prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) as an independent operation is not recommended, in general, for these women. With two first-degree relatives, the risk of developing ovarian cancer is approximately seven percent and a prophylactic removal of the ovaries may be considered. In general, women found to be carriers or who have a family history highly suggestive of a syndrome may be appropriate candidates for prophylactic removal of the ovaries. ¹

Women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer due to a family history of the disease may consider having their ovaries removed before cancer develops (prophylactic oophorectomy). This procedure usually, but not always, protects women from developing ovarian cancer. The risks associated with this surgery and its side effects should be carefully considered. A woman should discuss the possible benefits and risks with her doctor based on her unique situation.²

In addition, some evidence suggests that reducing the amount of fat in the diet may lower the risk of developing ovarian cancer.²

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Ovarian Cancer: NWHIC
2. excerpt from What You Need To Know About Ovarian Cancer: NCI

Last revision: June 5, 2003

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

Medical Articles: