Articles
Prophylactic oophorectomy: Preventing cancer by surgically removing your ovaries
Do women have to take post-menopausal hormone therapy after oophorectomy?
Why might a woman opt for oophorectomy over mastectomy?
Content
What is oophorectomy?
Who can consider prophylactic oophorectomy?
How much can oophorectomy reduce the risk of cancer?
What are the risks of oophorectomy?
Do you need postmenopausal hormone therapy after oophorectomy?
Are there alternatives to oophorectomy for preventing ovarian cancer?
Doesn't mastectomy offer a greater reduction in breast cancer risk?
Why might a person opt for oophorectomy over mastectomy?
What questions should you ask your doctor?
What questions should you ask your doctor?
The decision to have prophylactic oophorectomy is a challenging and difficult one with no clearly right or wrong answer. It comes down to a personal choice you alone can make, but advice from a genetic counselor, a breast health specialist or a gynecologic oncologist can help you make a more informed decision.
Questions to ask your doctor or other health care provider include:
- What is my risk of breast cancer?
- What is my risk of ovarian cancer?
- What are my options to lower my risk of breast cancer?
- What are my options to lower my risk of ovarian cancer?
- What are the benefits and risks of each option?
- What are some good sources of information about reducing my cancer risk?
- How much time can I take to research my options and make a decision?
- If I decide that prophylactic oophorectomy isn't right for me right now, can I change my mind later?
- What advice would you give your friend or family member if she were in my situation?
Determining whether prophylactic oophorectomy is right for you — and when it might be right for you — depends on your individual risk of cancer and how aggressive you want to be in your cancer prevention efforts.
