WOMEN considering a hysterectomy are being urged to have their fallopian tubes removed to help prevent ovarian cancer.
University of Queenslad gynaecological researcher Andreas Obermair said for women planning a hysterectomy, having their fallopian tubes removed as well significantly reduced ovarian cancer risk, even when the ovaries were left intact.
"Research emerging from the United States and Canada has shown that up to half of all ovarian cancers arise in the fallopian tubes rather than in the ovaries," Professor Obermair said.
"This means that women who opt to remove their fallopian tubes can reduce their risk by up to 40 per cent."
He said previous to this, removing a woman's ovaries had been considered the only way to prevent ovarian cancer.
However, as ovaries produced hormones, this was not a preferred measure for younger women, because it could lead to early menopause.
Professor Obermair, who is also a surgeon, said he would urge women to consider tubal removal if they were having other procedures such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy.
"Women who have had their fallopian tubes removed lose the ability to conceive and bear children naturally," he said.
"But if a woman of child-bearing age wanted a baby after having her tubes removed, she could still go down the path of in-vitro fertilisation."
He said there were no other identified side effects or health risks associated with removing fallopian tubes but leaving the ovaries in place.
"I am urging women to consider whether they actually need their fallopian tubes and to discuss the option of having them removed instead of clipped, or having them removed during a hysterectomy to reduce future risk of ovarian cancer."
