Cancer and Healthy

In a previous article, we looked at some things women can do personally to help prevent ovarian cancer development. In this article, we'll look at things that can be done in conjunction with a doctor to help prevent the disease.

One option, especially if a woman's family history suggests that she may have a genetic mutation(s) associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer, is genetic counseling. In such cases, the individual should discuss the pros and cons of testing with her physician before undergoing genetic analysis. In spite of this, many high-risk women feel that genetic counseling helps them to make informed decisions about prevention strategies.

Another option is a procedure known as tubal ligation. It is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are tied to prevent pregnancy. The risk of ovarian cancer is decreased in women who undergo tubal ligation after childbearing, although the mechanism for the protective effect is unknown. Some experts theorize that tubal ligation or hysterectomy -the surgical removal of the womb-may stop carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) from reaching the ovaries after they enter the body through the vagina.

A third and more drastic option is ovary removal. If a woman is over age 40 and hysterectomy is being performed for a noncancerous condition, such as uterine fibroids, she may decide to have her ovaries removed during this operation to lower her risk of ovarian cancer. This procedure- causes early menopause in pre-menopausal women and is usually recommended only for women who have completed their families and have a strong family history of ovarian cancer.

It should also be noted that removal of the ovaries does not ensure protection in all high-risk patients. Cancers still may form from lining cells within the pelvic cavity despite the removal of normal ovaries.