Health

How does ovarian removal affect cancer risk?

Learn how ovarian removal affects the risk of developing cancer. This article explains the impact of ovarian removal on cancer risk, including the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer by warrenstevenson
Estimated reading time: 3 min 28 sec
How does ovarian removal affect cancer risk? Photo by Monstera on Pexels

Ovarian removal, also known as oophorectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both ovaries. This procedure is usually performed to treat conditions such as ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis.

However, the removal of ovaries also affects the risk of developing other types of cancers in women. This article will explore the link between ovarian removal and cancer risk.

Ovarian Removal and Cancer Risk

Studies have shown that women who have had their ovaries removed have a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.

This is because ovarian cancer is usually caused by abnormal cell growth in the ovaries, and by removing the ovaries, the risk of this abnormal cell growth is significantly reduced.

However, the removal of ovaries can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancers, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

This is because the ovaries produce estrogen and other hormones that are important for the normal functioning of the body. When the ovaries are removed, the body’s levels of estrogen and other hormones decrease, which can affect the risk of developing certain types of cancers.

Types of Ovarian Removal

There are two types of ovarian removal: unilateral oophorectomy and bilateral oophorectomy.

Unilateral Oophorectomy

Unilateral oophorectomy involves the removal of one ovary. This procedure is usually performed to treat conditions such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis.

Women who have had a unilateral oophorectomy have a slightly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer, but their overall risk of cancer is not significantly affected.

Bilateral Oophorectomy

Bilateral oophorectomy involves the removal of both ovaries. This procedure is usually performed to treat conditions such as ovarian cancer or to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer in women who are at high risk.

Women who have had a bilateral oophorectomy have a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer, but their risk of other types of cancers may be increased.

Impact on Breast Cancer Risk

The ovaries produce estrogen and other hormones that are important for the normal functioning of the body. When the ovaries are removed, the body’s levels of these hormones decrease.

Related Article Which cancers have a higher risk with ovarian removal? Which cancers have a higher risk with ovarian removal?

This decrease in hormone levels can affect the risk of developing certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer.

Studies have shown that women who have had a bilateral oophorectomy have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, especially if they have a family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

However, the risk of developing breast cancer after ovarian removal varies depending on several factors, including the age at which the ovaries were removed and whether or not the woman has undergone hormone replacement therapy.

Impact on Colorectal Cancer Risk

The ovaries also produce hormones that can affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer. When the ovaries are removed, the body’s levels of these hormones decrease, which can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Studies have shown that women who have had a bilateral oophorectomy have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of bowel disease.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Some women may choose to undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after ovarian removal to replace the hormones that their body is no longer producing.

However, HRT has been shown to increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancers, so it is important for women to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT with their doctor.

Women who have undergone ovarian removal should also be vigilant about other risk factors for cancer, such as smoking, obesity, and a poor diet.

They should also undergo regular cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, to detect any cancers early.

Conclusion

Ovarian removal can affect the risk of developing certain types of cancer in women. While the risk of ovarian cancer is significantly reduced after ovarian removal, the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer may be increased.

Women who undergo ovarian removal should discuss their cancer risk with their doctor and take steps to reduce their overall risk of cancer.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check The impact of menopause on brain health The impact of menopause on brain health Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? Biomarkers for Breast Cancer in Pre-Menopausal Women Biomarkers for Breast Cancer in Pre-Menopausal Women Estrogen: Friend or Foe of a Woman’s Health? Estrogen: Friend or Foe of a Woman’s Health? Dangers of a diet heavy in fat Dangers of a diet heavy in fat Exploring women’s sexual happiness in menopause Exploring women’s sexual happiness in menopause Preventing breast cancer: Simple steps you can take Preventing breast cancer: Simple steps you can take Want to lower your cancer risk? Start walking today Want to lower your cancer risk? Start walking today Can lactose intolerance reduce the risk of cancer? Can lactose intolerance reduce the risk of cancer? Vegetables that promote sharp eyesight and lower cancer risk Vegetables that promote sharp eyesight and lower cancer risk Inflammation’s Foe: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Inflammation’s Foe: The Anti-Inflammatory Diet Breast Cancer Management: Neoplasms and Centers Database Breast Cancer Management: Neoplasms and Centers Database ICAP & Life: Raising Awareness Against Breast Cancer ICAP & Life: Raising Awareness Against Breast Cancer Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Adolescent Obesity and Cancer Risk: A Troubling Relationship Adolescent Obesity and Cancer Risk: A Troubling Relationship Simple ways to prevent cancer and stay healthy Simple ways to prevent cancer and stay healthy Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer How Much Red Meat Can You Safely Eat? How Much Red Meat Can You Safely Eat? Why Colonoscopy Can Be Beneficial After 75 Why Colonoscopy Can Be Beneficial After 75 Obesity increases cancer risk in women by 40%, according to new study Obesity increases cancer risk in women by 40%, according to new study Is your fingerprint indicative of cancer risk? Is your fingerprint indicative of cancer risk? Conquering the Myriad Golgothas of Breast Cancer Conquering the Myriad Golgothas of Breast Cancer Why Congenital Disorders Increase the Chances of Developing Cancer Why Congenital Disorders Increase the Chances of Developing Cancer The Effects of Pollution on Our Health The Effects of Pollution on Our Health Understanding the Risk of Esophageal Cancer in Barrett’s Esophagus Patients Understanding the Risk of Esophageal Cancer in Barrett’s Esophagus Patients Reviving the Elderly’s Libido with Testosterone Therapy Reviving the Elderly’s Libido with Testosterone Therapy Sterile Women at Higher Risk of Developing Breast Cancer and Diabetes Sterile Women at Higher Risk of Developing Breast Cancer and Diabetes Eating Your Way to Breast Cancer? How Your Diet Can Affect Your Health Eating Your Way to Breast Cancer? How Your Diet Can Affect Your Health Adverse nutrition during adolescence and breast cancer Adverse nutrition during adolescence and breast cancer Positive Developments in Breast Cancer Research Positive Developments in Breast Cancer Research
To top