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Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

Writer's picture: Women's Cancer Research FoundationWomen's Cancer Research Foundation

Updated: Jan 12, 2024


GIRL SITTING AT WINDOW

Risk reduction for women who carry BRCA1/2 mutations can achieve a 95% reduced risk of ovarian cancer through a risk-reducing prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (the surgical removal of healthy tubes and ovaries in high-risk women to reduce future risk of ovarian and/or breast carcinoma).


Pregnancies are associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.

Also, pregnancies are associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer. Compared to nulliparous women (no previous births), those with 1 live birth have an approximate 24% decreased risk for ovarian cancer, while women with two or more live births have an approximate 42% risk reduction. This protective effect applies to incomplete pregnancies, where a 20% decreased risk is extended to women with ≥2 incomplete pregnancies and improves to a 60% decreased risk for women who have ≥3 complete pregnancies.


When oral contraceptive use is considered, ever users had almost a 30% reduction in ovarian cancer risk compared to women who never used contraceptives; the risk decreased with the prolonged use of contraceptives. Moreover, the protective effect remained significant for up to 35 years after the last oral contraceptive use.


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About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation


The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of the most active research organizations in the nation. We are dedicated to studying and evaluating novel treatments for women afflicted with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The WCRF persistently endeavors to make a difference in women’s lives by offering them hope, strength, and progress.



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FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE NANCY YEARY WOMEN'S CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
IN MEMORY OF NANCY AND BOB YEARY

ABOUT US 

Since 1985, the physicians and researchers at the WCRF have been at the forefront of pioneering clinical research, aimed at enhancing cure rates among women diagnosed with breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. WCRF actively engages in designing, conducting, and disseminating groundbreaking research focused on cutting-edge medical treatments.


Furthermore, WCRF serves as a vital hub for both foundational and applied research, as well as education, pertaining to the latest advancements in the treatment of breast and gynecologic cancers. In addition to conducting and publishing original research, the WCRF, provides valuable clinical information to physicians and patients alike.
 

 

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