The key points for counseling on OS are outlined below. These topics are also covered in the patient decision aid.

• Ovarian cancer is a difficult-to-treat form of cancer, affecting 13 out of 1,000 women (approximately 1 in 100). It requires extensive treatment, but unfortunately, the prognosis is often poor.

• It was previously thought that ovarian cancer originated in the ovaries. However, recent research shows that ovarian cancer most often originates in the fallopian tubes, not the ovaries.

• The ovaries are responsible for producing egg cells and hormones. It is normal that over time, the egg cell supply runs out, hormone levels decrease, and most women go through menopause around the age of 50.

• The fallopian tubes are the connection between the ovaries and the uterus. They are only important for becoming pregnant, as they allow the egg cell and sperm to meet. If you no longer wish to have children, the fallopian tubes are no longer needed.

• Women undergoing gynecological abdominal surgery are now routinely offered the option to have their fallopian tubes removed as a preventive measure against tubo-ovarian carcinoma. They receive information about this from their doctor and through a decision aid.

• Removing the fallopian tubes adds about 10 minutes to the surgery. In case of a laparoscopic procedure, it may require an additional incision. 

• We know that the risk of surgical complications is negligible. However, it is possible that menopause may occur slightly earlier,  with the maximum estimated difference being 2 years, this is still being researched. There is no additional recovery time after surgery.

• The risk of ovarian cancer decreases significantly: from 13 per 1,000 women to as low as 5 per 1,000 after the fallopian tubes are removed.

• We are currently investigating whether fallopian tube removal can also be performed during non-gynecological surgeries, for example by a surgeon or urologist.