Less Drastic Ovarian Cancer Surgeries Produce Similar Survival Rates To Traditional Treatments

Main Category: Ovarian Cancer
Article Date: 14 Aug 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Premenopausal women with stage one ovarian cancer who have the cancerous ovary removed have the same five-year survival rates as women who have both ovaries removed, according to a study published Monday in the journal Cancer, the Los Angeles Times reports. The study also found that five-year survival rates were similar for women who had their uterus removed compared with those who did not.

Ovarian cancer treatment traditionally involves removing both ovaries and the uterus, which pushes younger women into menopause. The new study shows that some women may be able to opt for less aggressive surgeries to preserve their fertility, the Times reports. The study was conducted by researchers at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Jason Wright -- the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of women's health at the college -- said, "Even if people have completed childbearing, there are some hormonal benefits for maintaining the ovaries. So this is something to consider in women 40 to 50." For example, some studies indicate that women who have their ovaries removed before age 55 have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia and earlier death, Wright said. However, "[f]or postmenopausal women, the risks may outweigh the benefits," according to Wright.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in women, occurring most often in postmenopausal women, though as many as 17% of ovarian cancer cases occur in women ages 40 or younger. The disease often is detected in its advanced stages, according to the Times. Because the rate of the cancer among younger women is believed to be increasing, more attention is being paid to preserving fertility. Current options include freezing eggs or embryos prior to the removal of the ovaries (Roan, Los Angeles Times, 8/10).

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