Prevent breast cancer - Remove your ovaries?
Women with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 abnormalities in their genes have been found to have a high risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime,up to 80%, compared with women who do not have these abnormalities who have an estimated 12% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Some women at very high risk of developing breast cancer have been advised to consider removing their ovaries to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer later.
A recent study has shown that women who have inherited the BRCA2 are less likely to develop breast cancer if they have their ovaries removed than women with the BRCA1 abnormality. Women at high risk of developing breast cancer have a very difficult decision to make when it comes to removing their ovaries to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. These findings may help to make the decision easier for women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.
