Ovarian cancer is rare, but it is the deadliest cancer of the female reproductive system. Black women often face later diagnosis and fewer treatment options. Knowing ways to prevent the disease is important.
Doctors now know that most ovarian cancers actually start in the fallopian tubes—the small tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus. When cancer begins here, it is hard to find early because the tubes are deep inside the body. By the time a tumor causes symptoms, it has usually spread. Survival drops sharply once the cancer leaves the tubes.
There is no reliable blood test or Pap test for ovarian cancer. But there is a new prevention tool: opportunistic salpingectomy (sal-pin-JEK-tuh-mee). This is the removal of both fallopian tubes while a person is already having another belly surgery, such as a C-section, hysterectomy, gallbladder, or appendix operation. Because the surgeon is already inside the abdomen, taking out the tubes adds only a few extra minutes and does not raise the risk of problems.
Large studies now show how powerful this step can be. Research from Canada following more than 80,000 patients found that removing the tubes during other surgery cut ovarian cancer risk by about 80%. Few treatments in medicine give that level of protection.
What about side effects? The fallopian tubes have only one job—helping pregnancy happen. They do not make hormones. Taking them out does not cause early menopause, hot flashes, or mood changes. Recovery time is the same as for the original surgery. For people who are finished having children, or who choose not to have children, the tubes are no longer needed.
Opportunistic salpingectomy is backed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Insurance companies now have billing codes, making coverage easier. Still, many women have never heard of it, and some doctors forget to mention it. Talking openly with your health-care team is key.
Things to consider
- Are you done having children? If yes, you may be a good candidate.
- Do you have a planned abdominal surgery for another reason? Ask whether your surgeon can also remove your tubes.
- Do you carry BRCA1, BRCA2, or other gene changes that raise ovarian cancer risk? A stand-alone salpingectomy, or even removing the ovaries, may be advised.
- Discuss any family history of cancer with your provider.
Our Traumatic History
Historical exploitation and experimental surgery on Black women’s bodies has made many of us wary of reproductive surgery. Do what you can to ease any fears. Bring a friend or family member to appointments, ask questions, and make sure you feel heard. At the end of the day, prevention should empower, not scare you.
Take-home message
If you are having another belly surgery and are finished with child-bearing, ask about adding an opportunistic salpingectomy. A short, one-time step could cut your risk of a deadly cancer by 80%. Knowledge is power—share this information with the women you love. Talk to your doctor for more information or to find out if it might be right for you.
The source of this article can be found here.