Removing the ovaries (prophylactic oophorectomy) can prevent ovarian cancer. There are two clinical situations currently where the gynaecologist may need to address the question of removing the ovaries. The first is at the time of elective pelvic surgery, hysterectomy (Q 24.19) being the obvious example. The second is when there is a strong family history of ovarian malignancy. At one time removing ovaries was frequently performed as part of the management of Breast Cancer.

These days, oestrogen antagonists such as tamoxifen appear to be as effective (Q32.42).


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Women's Health