Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants who undergo surgery to remove their ovaries and fallopian tubes (BSO) significantly reduce their risk of early death, according to a new study by Cambridge researchers. Published in The Lancet Oncology, the findings highlight the procedure’s benefits without serious side effects, offering reassurance to high-risk patients.
The study, led by the University of Cambridge and NHS England’s National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), analyzed data from 3,400 women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants, half of whom had undergone BSO. Over a median follow-up of 5.5 years, those who had the surgery were 50% less likely to die from cancer or other causes, with BRCA2 carriers showing a 56% reduction in risk compared to 38% for BRCA1 carriers. Additionally, BSO was linked to a 40% lower risk of developing a second cancer.
BSO is already known to reduce ovarian cancer risk by 80%, but concerns about early menopause, particularly for breast cancer patients who often avoid hormone replacement therapy, have raised questions about unintended consequences. Reassuringly, the study found no increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or depression post-surgery.
“Our research confirms BSO’s survival benefits without adverse effects, addressing a critical question for high-risk women,” said lead author Hend Hassan, a PhD student at Cambridge. Senior author Professor Antonis Antoniou added, “These findings will empower women to make informed decisions about their health.”
The study revealed disparities in BSO uptake, with Black and Asian women half as likely as white women to undergo the procedure. Women in less-deprived areas were also more likely to opt for surgery, prompting calls for improved access and education.
The research underscores BSO’s life-saving potential for BRCA-positive breast cancer patients while highlighting the need to address inequities in healthcare access. The team emphasized the value of NHS datasets in advancing impactful cancer research.
Add comment