A groundbreaking surgery, pioneered right here in British Columbia, has the potential to revolutionize ovarian cancer prevention. Dr. Evelyn Eng, a Nanaimo gynecologist, is leading the charge to bring this life-saving procedure to the forefront of medical practice on Vancouver Island.
The latest research, published by UBC in JAMA Network, reveals an astonishing 80% reduction in the risk of the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer through a simple yet effective procedure known as opportunistic salpingectomy. This involves removing the fallopian tubes, a preventive measure that could significantly impact the lives of thousands of women.
"The results are truly exciting! This study, which followed over 85,000 women in BC, demonstrates an 80% decrease in ovarian cancer risk after fallopian tube removal. It's a game-changer," exclaims Dr. Eng.
While the procedure itself isn't new to gynecologists, the success rate is unprecedented. Dr. Diane Miller, a BC pioneer, first introduced this technique in 2010, and now, with these compelling findings, Dr. Eng is advocating for its widespread adoption.
"As a gynecologist, I've been offering this option to patients for years. We've known that ovarian cancer often starts in the fallopian tubes, so when a patient is having pelvic surgery for another reason, we've been suggesting fallopian tube removal to prevent ovarian cancer. Now, with this study's data, we can confidently say it makes a significant difference," she explains.
Ovarian cancer is a formidable adversary, with 3,000 new diagnoses and 2,000 deaths annually in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society reports a five-year survival rate with no early screening process, making it one of the most lethal cancers.
"It's often found late, with vague symptoms like bloating or weight changes. Many people know someone affected by this cancer, which is usually diagnosed at an advanced, aggressive stage. It's devastating," Dr. Eng shares.
With a low survival rate, Dr. Eng is pushing for this procedure to become standard practice in general surgery departments when patients are already undergoing abdominal surgeries.
"It's fascinating that many women diagnosed with aggressive ovarian cancer had previously undergone belly surgeries for other reasons. If their fallopian tubes had been removed during those surgeries, they might have avoided ovarian cancer. It's a missed opportunity we can't afford to ignore," she emphasizes.
The good news is that general surgeons on Vancouver Island are embracing this procedure. Dr. Eng confirms that some general surgeons and urologists in Victoria are already offering it, and educational sessions are planned to expand its adoption across the Island.
"I'm working with general surgery colleagues in Port Alberni, Powell River, and other communities. We're sharing surgical videos, having discussions at medical conferences, and in April and May, general surgeons will join me in the operating room. It's a strength of our general surgeons on the Island that they're comfortable operating in smaller communities and can offer this procedure everywhere," she adds.
In Nanaimo, Dr. Eng says general surgeons are ready to start offering the procedure as early as this week.
"It's an exciting development. I feel our general surgery colleagues in Nanaimo are prepared to begin offering it now. If you're undergoing a general surgery procedure, please discuss this option with your surgeon," she urges.
Dr. Eng emphasizes the importance of patient education and empowerment. When discussing the procedure with patients, she outlines the risks and benefits, explaining the function of the fallopian tubes and the reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
"The procedure adds only a few minutes with no increased complications or recovery time. If a person doesn't desire fertility, there's no other function for the fallopian tubes. The ovaries continue to produce hormones, and the uterus remains intact. The fallopian tubes serve no other purpose than fertility," she clarifies.
In April and May, Dr. Eng will be collaborating with general surgeons in Port Alberni and Powell River, and she hopes to see more rural communities adopt this practice.
"Let's offer this choice to women. It has no impact on hormones or menopause and can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 80%. If they're finished with fertility, it should become the new standard. Patients should advocate for themselves and ask their doctors about this procedure," she encourages.
Dr. Eng wants patients to feel empowered to discuss this option with their doctors.
"If there's a surgery in the belly, patients can ask if the surgeon is in the same area as the fallopian tubes. They can express their desire to consider having their fallopian tubes removed at the same time if they're finished with fertility and don't want to get pregnant again. It's a simple yet powerful choice," she concludes.
For more information, visit Opportunistic Salpingectomy | SSC.
