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Fallopian Tube Removal Urged for Women Past Child-Bearing Years

Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare condition with no reliable screening test. A large-scale clinical trial conducted in the UK found that blood tests and imaging scans for early ovarian cancer detection were unable to identify tumors early enough to significantly impact mortality. Symptoms associated with the disease, such as bloating, often occur later in the cancer’s progression.

Given a lack of accurate and timely testing, in 2023, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology recommended increasing the accessibility of genetic testing and promoted prophylactic fallopian tube removal among women with no genetic risks. This reflects the fact that ovarian cancer, which causes 13,000 US deaths each year, typically starts in the fallopian tube.

Standard practice is for surgeons to remove both the ovaries and fallopian tubes in women with tumor-implicated BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. This is typically undertaken after the childbearing years are passed (35 to 40 for those with BRCA1, 40 to 45 for those with BRCA2).

The new recommendation is that women without known genetic mutations have the fallopian tubes surgically removed if they are no longer planning for more children (and have another a gynecologic operation scheduled). Not only does this significantly lower the risk of ovarian cancer developing, but it also leaves intact the ovaries, which produce hormones with beneficial later-life effects, such as addressing osteoporosis and heart disease.

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Some Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the ovaries, hence its name. While it is not as common as breast or uterine cancer, ovarian cancer is typically more severe. Certain factors can significantly increase one's risk of developing ovarian cancer. Following are three major risk factors for the disease.

One common risk factor for ovarian cancer is age. The risk increases with age, with women under 40 being less likely to develop the condition compared to older women. Most ovarian cancers occur after menopause, and more than 50 percent of diagnosed cases are in women over 63 years old.

Obesity is another common risk factor for ovarian cancer. Apart from ovarian cancer, obesity is linked to various other types of cancer. Women with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Additionally, ovarian cancer can be hereditary, meaning it can run in families. People with a family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing the condition due to genetic mutations that can be passed from parent to child.

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Kevin Cain Memorial Foundation Holds Make My Day Fundraising Event

For the 19th time since 2006, the Kevin Cain Memorial Foundation (KCMF) held its annual fundraising event, the “Make My Day” 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk. The 2024 event occurred on the scenic streets of Havertown, Pennsylvania, on April 14.

Established in memory of Kevin Cain, who died fighting cancer in 2005, KCMF provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families to help defray the medical costs of cancer treatment. Since its inception, KMCF has helped over 1,000 families through the Make My Day event. All the cash donations collected at the annual event go directly to cancer patients and their families. KCMF also accepts in-kind and food donations for the post-race raffles and the party. Donations made towards the Make My Day event are tax-deductible

Make My Day attracts hundreds of participants, including individuals and teams. The race uses electronic timing devices to ensure accurate and timely reporting of the results.