A different take on ovarian cancer.

[MsAmerica]

Most ‘Ovarian Cancer’ Isn’t. And That Fact Can Save Lives.
The vast majority of cases begin in the fallopian tubes — and removing them can reduce the risk by nearly 80 percent.
By Gina Kolata

“Ovarian cancer,” Dr. Stone told her, is a misnomer. Nearly all ovarian cancers — and nearly all fatal ovarian cancers — are actually cancers of the fallopian tubes. The 20 percent or so that start in the ovaries are different, Dr. Stone said, and usually can be cured.

Women who have their tubes — the gummy worm-shaped ducts that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus — removed reduce their chances of getting ovarian cancer by nearly 80 percent. It’s a five-minute operation that can be done as part of nearly any abdominal surgery, including a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, gallbladder surgery and hernia repair.

Yet no doctor, Ms. Wynn said, had ever mentioned fallopian tube removal to her.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/28/health/ovarian-cancer-fallopian-tubes.html

That’s really interesting. I had ovarian cancer which was in the actual ovary - I had the ovary removed and needed no further treatment. I’d happily get my remaining tube taken out if it reduced my chances of getting it again, since I’ve completed my family.

This is interesting to me too. I was admitted last week with a twisted ovarian cyst. It doesn’t look like cancer - the blood tests were negative for any cancerous markers, the cyst looks ‘clean’ and cancerous ones don’t tend to twist, but they won’t know for sure til they remove it. I’m post menopausal and they told me that was the main reason (plus the negative blood tests) they weren’t going ahead on an emergency basis to try and ‘save’ the ovary. But it does need to be removed (and I’m terrified of the pain coming back), but I’ll ask about having the fallopian tubes removed as well as the cyst and ovary.

Yes, this is backed by the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2844628 but I'm betting that the NHS will take years to get on board.

My mother died of ovarian cancer 25 years ago so it’s on my radar. I had one fallopian tube removed due to an ectopic pregnancy and the remaining tube tied when sterilised. I’m hoping that will cut my chances of getting the disease

Interesting, thank you for sharing!

I had a hysterectomy last year and felt under pressure to have my ovaries removed. I was reluctant to go into surgical menopause and pushed on why they should come out, and was told basically ovarian cancer, plus the ovaries tend to stop functioning after a while anyway following a hysterectomy.

I ultimately kept my ovaries but did have my fallopian tubes removed. So it’s very useful to read the OP, thank you!

I had surgery last year in the ME to remove an ovary that was causing pain and they explained this to me and asked me to consent for fallopian tube removal while I was under. I jumped at the chance, I lost 3 people my age last year who were living in England, all from GPs refusing to listen to them and being told bloating and pain were something women have to live with. I am so grateful I had the opportunity. Edited to clarfy