Prophylactic oophorectomy.

The risks and benefits of prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy (BO) accompanying hysterectomy are reviewed. The potential reduction in the risk of subsequent ovarian cancer is quantified using literature data and a mathematical model. The risks of subsequent breast cancer from low-dose ERT are estimated using a comprehensive mathematical model. It is hypothesized that BO may have a substantial protective effect on breast cancer risk despite subsequent low-dose or non-low-dose ERT, when BO is performed at an early age. In women with a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, the individual risks must be assessed on the basis of a pedigree analysis. In conclusion, a decision on BO must be based on weighing the potential benefits of reduced ovarian and breast cancer risks against the psychological importance of retaining the ovaries and the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease when compliance with ERT is less than perfect. The provided quantitative data may help in making the right decision.