What is the recommended procedure for women at high risk of ovarian or breast cancer?

The recommended procedure for women at high risk of ovarian or breast cancer involves prophylactic oophorectomy, which is the surgical removal of the ovaries. This procedure is particularly important for women who carry genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, that significantly increase their risk for developing these types of cancers.

By removing the ovaries, the levels of estrogen and other hormones that can fuel the growth of hormone-receptive cancers are reduced, thereby lowering the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. This preventive approach is supported by substantial evidence indicating that prophylactic oophorectomy can significantly decrease the incidence of these cancers in high-risk populations.

In contrast, chemotherapy is typically used for treatment rather than prevention; radiation therapy is also a treatment modality rather than a preventive measure; and hormonal therapy can be part of treatment for existing cancer but does not serve as a preventive strategy for high-risk individuals.