At this time, there are no specific guidelines for the
prevention of ovarian cancer because the cause is unknown;
however, women who have had children and who have breastfed them
are at lower risk for developing ovarian cancer. Genetic testing
may help identify patients who should consider having a
salpingo-oophorectomy . This procedure involves removing both
ovaries and the fallopian tubes. It may be done, in some cases,
to prevent ovarian cancer in high-risk women, such as: - Women
with a first degree relative with ovarian or breast cancer -
Women who have had breast cancer before age 40 - Women who test
positive for a genetic mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2) The surgery is
the only proven method to reduce the risk of getting this often
fatal disease. To reduce your risk: - Have an annual health
checkup with a pelvic exam - Maintain a healthy weight so the
doctor can easily feel your ovaries - Reviewer: Igor Puzanov, MD
- Review Date: 09/2012 - - Update Date: 00/91/2012 -