Breast Care Nurse Certification Exam Practice 2025 – All-in-One Prep

A bilateral oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of both ovaries, and it plays a significant role in risk reduction for women who carry BRCA1 mutations. For women with BRCA1 positivity, having a bilateral oophorectomy can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by nearly 50%. This is largely due to the fact that the ovaries produce estrogen, which can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer. By removing the ovaries, the levels of estrogen in the body decrease significantly, thereby reducing the risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancers that can develop in women with BRCA1 mutations.

This surgical intervention is particularly recommended as a risk-reducing strategy for women who have not yet been diagnosed with breast cancer but carry genetically inherited risks. It's crucial for these women to understand the substantial impact that this procedure can have on their cancer risk profile, as it empowers them to make informed decisions about their health management strategies.