Four women underwent ground-breaking two-in-one surgery to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer during a C-section.
The women treated at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) were all carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which put them at greater risk of the disease.
Risk reduction surgery for these patients is usually a standalone procedure to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries. However, experts have decided to see if it is possible in combination with a caesarean section.
The first two-in-one operation was performed in 2018 and three more have since been completed.
Scientists say that given its success, it could be routinely offered to women at higher risk of ovarian cancer who need a C-section.
Claire Rodrigues Lee, 45, was one of four women who underwent a ground-breaking two-in-one operation to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer during a caesarean section
The women treated at University College London Hospitals (pictured) were all carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which put them at greater risk of the disease.
Women who carry these genetic changes — including actress Angelina Jolie — have an 11 to 68 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer, compared to a 2 percent risk in the general population.
Changes in the BRCA gene are associated with about 15 percent of all ovarian cancers.
Risk-reducing surgery is the only proven way to reduce deaths from ovarian cancer and reduce the risk of the disease by at least 95 percent.
All four women, aged between 40 and 45, were referred to UCLH during their pregnancies between 2018 and 2022. They were all about to give birth by caesarean section and had no intention of having any more children.
Patients did not stay in the hospital longer than they would after a caesarean section alone, and none experienced serious complications.
Professor Adam Rosenthal, Consultant Gynecologist at UCLH, said: “Offering this two-in-one operation could be of great benefit to other women at high risk of ovarian cancer, as they would then avoid the need for a separate , will avoid risk-reducing surgery.”
“The number of women giving birth by caesarean section is increasing worldwide, as is the number of women who know they are carriers of a genetic mutation that increases the risk of ovarian cancer.”
“This means many more women may be eligible for the combined procedure.” In addition, there is a potential cost savings for any health care system by not requiring two separate surgeries.
Both men and women can have defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and according to Cancer Research UK, it is found in around one in 400 people.
Those who inherit defective versions of these genes have an increased risk of developing ovarian, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
The four cases were reported in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
