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Ovary removal to reduce ovarian cancer risk?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Ms R: We know that Arimidex has been a wonderful drug to combat recurrence in ER-positive breast cancers in postmenopausal women. Since this population is 4 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer in their lifetimes, does removal of the ovaries seem to be a prudent and sensible move?
Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: In premenopausal women, removing the ovaries will induce a surgical menopause. Such a procedure may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the first place and may reduce the risk of a breast cancer recurrence after treatment for breast cancer. Chemotherapy may provide some of the same benefits as removal of the ovaries. Studies are mixed on whether or not removing the ovaries or, alternatively, suppressing or shutting down the ovaries, gives additional benefit following chemotherapy. In postmenopausal women, removing the ovaries, which no longer function, does not reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Your question about ovarian cancer is a separate issue. Although ovarian cancer is slightly more common among women who have had breast cancer, it is still a relatively uncommon cancer. The decision about removal of the ovaries to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer is highly individual. Your family history of breast, ovarian, male breast cancer, or early prostate cancer will play a role in whether or not removal of the ovaries is recommended. In addition, if you have a known gene abnormality in the BRCA I and/or BRCA II gene, removal of the ovaries and possibly the Fallopian tubes should be discussed with your doctors.

On Wednesday, December 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the newest research on breast cancer treatment, side effects, risk of recurrence, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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