A new study among BRCA1/2 carriers with breast cancer showed that the overall risk of death was 48% lower for those that removed their ovaries and fallopian tubes. Specifically, these women had lower risks of all-cause mortality, breast cancer-specific mortality, and second non-breast cancer development. Removing the ovaries leads to menopause which has other health risks – however, study results showed that benefits were seen without a higher risk of other adverse long-term health outcomes, such as heart diseases. This information may give BRCA1/2 carriers with breast cancer added information about the health benefits of removing their ovaries; and reassure them about other possible health-related side effects.
Hassan, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2025;26(6):771-780. PMID: 40347974. Article available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40347974/. Social media post available at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1J7kcvPZuW/