Surgery for Women with BRCA Gene Can Prevent Cancer

Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes reduces cancer risk for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene

Surgery to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes has long been considered one of the most effective ways to decrease the risk of breast and gynecologic cancer for women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Now, research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute underscores the effectiveness of the surgery. According to the research, an analysis of 10 independent studies, the risk reduction of this surgery—salpingo-oophorectomy—can be 80 percent for ovarian or fallopian tube cancer and 50 percent for breast cancer.

The BRCA genes are associated with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most dangerous forms. Women with triple negative estrogen-negative, progesterone-negative, and Her2-negative.

Nevertheless, the researchers note that the  surgery is not the only route to risk reduction. Mastectomy and regularly MRI screenings have also been effective.

Source: “Meta-analysis of Risk Reduction Estimates Associated With Risk-Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation Carriers,” Timothy R. Rebbeck, Noah D. Kauff, Susan M. Domchek, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 101 (2), 2009, 80-87