Breast cancer is a concern for women all over the world, and many women today are opting to take a proactive approach to battling the cancer. In some cases, women who are at risk for developing the cancer undergo surgery or other radical treatments in order to prevent the disease from ever developing. One such surgical treatment that may be available to you is an oophorectomy.
What is an Oophorectomy?
An oophorectomy is a surgery where a woman's ovaries are removed. This procedure reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in some women. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and uterus are also removed at the same time.
Who Benefits from the Surgery?
Women who are at risk of developing cancer because they carry the BRCA genes may elect to undergo this procedure. BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 are designations used to refer to two genes linked to breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer may also elect to undergo this surgery.
Can the Procedure Prevent Breast Cancer?
While not as effective as a mastectomy for the prevention of breast cancer, undergoing an oophorectomy can reduce a woman's odds of developing breast cancer by about 50 percent, providing it is performed prior to menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What are the Drawbacks?
When a woman has her ovaries removed, it can cause some side effects and other risks. These may include loss of bone density and increased risk of developing heart disease.
What Other Considerations Are There?
There are several things to keep in mind if you are considering an oophorectomy. You may have to take hormone therapy drugs after undergoing the procedure, and according to doctors with the Mayo Clinic, some evidence indicates that women who undergo this type of surgery have an increased risk of developing memory loss.
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