Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Nearly 600,000 women in the United States undergo hysterectomy each year, usually to address issues such as uterine prolapse, heavy bleeding, or pain caused by fibroids or endometriosis. But, some wonder if this surgery can lower their ovarian cancer risk.

Many women ask if having a hysterectomy can prevent ovarian cancer. The link between hysterectomy and ovarian cancer prevention is complex. It has been studied a lot.

This article will look into how hysterectomy affects ovarian cancer risk. It aims to help those thinking about this surgery.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the purpose and implications of a hysterectomy.
• The possible effect of hysterectomy on ovarian cancer risk.
• Things to think about when deciding on a hysterectomy.
• The need to talk about ovarian cancer risk with a doctor.
• Other options instead of hysterectomy for some conditions.

Understanding Hysterectomy and Ovarian Cancer

Learning about hysterectomy and ovarian cancer helps us see if removing the uterus lowers ovarian cancer risk. It’s key to know what each term means and how they connect.

What is a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. There are several types, like partial, total, and radical hysterectomies. A total hysterectomy removes both the uterus and cervix.

Women choose hysterectomy for health reasons like severe endometriosis or uterine fibroids. It’s a big decision that affects reproductive and overall health.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries, which make eggs. It’s called a “silent killer” because symptoms are often vague and not noticed until it’s too late.

Knowing about ovarian cancer means understanding its risk factors, symptoms, and types. Risk factors include genetic mutations and family history.

Let’s look at some important stats about hysterectomy and ovarian cancer:

Procedure	Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction	Other Considerations
Hysterectomy alone	Some studies suggest a reduced risk	Does not remove ovaries
Hysterectomy with oophorectomy	Significantly reduces risk	Involves removal of ovaries, potentially leading to surgical menopause

Understanding these points helps women and doctors make better choices about reproductive health and cancer prevention.

Types of Hysterectomy Procedures

Hysterectomy procedures vary based on the extent of the surgery. The decision on which type to perform depends on the patient’s medical condition, age, and overall health.

Partial Hysterectomy

A partial hysterectomy, also known as a subtotal hysterectomy, involves the removal of the upper part of the uterus. The cervix is left intact. This procedure is less common and is typically considered when the cervix is healthy.

Total Hysterectomy

A total hysterectomy involves the removal of both the uterus and the cervix. This is one of the most common types of hysterectomy. It is often performed when there is a risk of cervical or uterine cancer.

Radical Hysterectomy

A radical hysterectomy is a more extensive surgery. It involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues, including part of the vagina. This procedure is typically performed in cases of cancer.

The following table summarizes the key differences between the types of hysterectomy procedures:

Type of Hysterectomy	Organs/Tissues Removed	Typical Indications
Partial Hysterectomy	Upper part of the uterus	Uterine conditions with a healthy cervix
Total Hysterectomy	Uterus and cervix	Uterine or cervical cancer risk
Radical Hysterectomy	Uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues	Cancer of the cervix or uterus

Hysterectomy and Ovarian Cancer Prevention: The Connection

The link between hysterectomy and preventing ovarian cancer is complex. Hysterectomy removes the uterus, but its effect on ovarian cancer risk is not simple.

Does removing the uterus affect ovarian cancer risk?

Studies show that removing the uterus might not greatly lower ovarian cancer risk. A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that hysterectomy alone doesn’t significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk.

Key findings from various studies:

Study	Year	Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction
Journal of the National Cancer Institute	2018	No significant reduction
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology	2020	Minimal reduction

This shows that the relationship between hysterectomy and ovarian cancer risk is not straightforward.

The importance of the fallopian tubes in cancer development

New research points to the fallopian tubes’ role in ovarian cancer. Studies suggest that salpingectomy, or removing the fallopian tubes, might be more effective than hysterectomy alone in lowering ovarian cancer risk.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that salpingectomy greatly lowers ovarian cancer risk in high-risk groups. This has sparked interest in salpingectomy as a preventive method.

It’s becoming clear that the fallopian tubes are key in preventing ovarian cancer.

Oophorectomy: The Role of Ovary Removal

Oophorectomy is a big deal for women at high risk of ovarian cancer. It’s a surgery that removes one or both ovaries. This is often talked about as a way to prevent ovarian cancer.

Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy Explained

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) is a surgery that takes out both ovaries and fallopian tubes. It’s recommended for women at high risk, like those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. This surgery greatly lowers the chance of getting ovarian cancer.

Impact on Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction

Oophorectomy can greatly lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Studies show it can cut the risk by 80-90% in high-risk groups. Here’s a table with some study results on how oophorectomy affects ovarian cancer risk.

Study	Risk Reduction
Kauff et al. (2008)	80% reduction in ovarian cancer risk
Rebbeck et al. (2002)	90% reduction in ovarian cancer risk

Surgical Menopause and Hormone Replacement Considerations

Oophorectomy can cause surgical menopause. This can lead to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might help with these symptoms. But, it’s important to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of HRT.

Risk Reduction Statistics and Research Evidence

Hysterectomy’s effect on ovarian cancer risk has been studied a lot. This research helps us understand how to prevent ovarian cancer. It shows that removing the ovaries along with the uterus is key.

Studies on Hysterectomy Alone and Cancer Risk

Research on hysterectomy alone shows mixed results. Some studies say it doesn’t greatly lower ovarian cancer risk. A study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no big difference in risk for women who had hysterectomy without removing their ovaries.

Key findings from these studies include:

• Hysterectomy alone doesn’t change ovarian cancer risk much.
• Other risk factors, like family history or genetic mutations, are more important.

Research on Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy

But, studies on hysterectomy with oophorectomy show a big drop in risk. Removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes is very effective. Women who have this surgery have a much lower chance of getting ovarian cancer.

The benefits of this combined surgical approach include:

1. A big drop in ovarian cancer risk, mainly for those at high risk.
2. It might also prevent other cancers, like fallopian tube cancer.

It’s important for women to know about the research on hysterectomy and ovarian cancer. By looking at the studies, women can make better choices about their health.

High-Risk Populations and Preventive Surgery

Women with certain genetic mutations or a family history of ovarian cancer might benefit from preventive surgery. It’s important to know the genetic risks and the surgery’s benefits. This knowledge helps in making informed choices.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations face a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Studies indicate that surgery, like salpingo-oophorectomy, can lower this risk by 80-90%. Before deciding on surgery, it’s key to talk it over with healthcare providers and genetic counselors.

Family history considerations

A family history of ovarian cancer is a big risk factor. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) diagnosed with ovarian cancer are at higher risk. The risk grows with more affected relatives. Preventive surgery might be an option for women with a strong family history, even without known genetic mutations.

Lynch syndrome and other genetic risk factors

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), raises the risk of various cancers, including ovarian cancer. Other genetic syndromes, like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, also increase ovarian cancer risk. Women with these conditions should discuss their risk and preventive options with their healthcare providers.

Preventive surgery is a personal choice that should be well thought out. For high-risk groups, the chance to lower ovarian cancer risk is a major factor to consider.

Can Ovarian Cancer Occur After Hysterectomy?

Ovarian cancer can be a worry even after a hysterectomy. The link between hysterectomy and ovarian cancer risk is complex. It involves many factors.

Residual Ovarian Tissue Concerns

One big worry is leftover ovarian tissue. If some tissue is missed during the surgery, cancer risk stays. It’s key for women to talk about the risks and benefits of removing ovarian tissue with their doctor. The choice to remove or keep ovaries depends on age, menopause status, and health.

Primary Peritoneal Cancer Risk

Another worry is primary peritoneal cancer. This cancer happens in the belly lining, like ovarian cancer. The risk factors for primary peritoneal cancer are similar to those for ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer history or certain genetic mutations are at higher risk.

Knowing these risks helps make better choices about surgery and care after. Women should talk about their risks and worries with their doctor.

Alternatives to Hysterectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Ovarian cancer prevention isn’t just about hysterectomy. Other surgical and non-surgical options are available. Women at high risk may choose these alternatives based on their health needs and risk factors.

Salpingectomy as a Preventive Measure

Salpingectomy, or removing the fallopian tubes, is a preventive option for ovarian cancer. Many ovarian cancers start in the fallopian tubes. Studies show that salpingectomy can greatly lower ovarian cancer risk, mainly for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Hormonal Methods and Their Effectiveness

Hormonal methods, like oral contraceptives, can also lower ovarian cancer risk. Using oral contraceptives for five or more years can cut ovarian cancer risk by up to 50%.

“The use of oral contraceptives for five or more years has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 50%.”

Choosing hormonal methods should depend on individual risk and health status.

Surveillance and Screening Options

For high-risk women, regular checks and screenings are often advised. This includes transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests. These methods help find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Regular monitoring is key for women who choose not to have preventive surgery, helping catch cancer early.

Making an Informed Decision: Factors to Consider

Deciding on a hysterectomy means understanding its effects on ovarian cancer risk and health. Women need to think about several important factors before making a choice.

Age and Menopausal Status

A woman’s age and menopausal status are key when deciding on a hysterectomy. Younger women face different issues than those closer to or past menopause. For example, they must think about the risk of surgical menopause and the need for hormone therapy.

Age Group	Considerations
Premenopausal	Risk of surgical menopause, need for hormone therapy
Perimenopausal	Impact on menopause timing, hormone therapy needs
Postmenopausal	Less worry about surgical menopause, focus on cancer risk

Quality of Life and Long-term Health Impacts

Thinking about how surgery might affect your life and health is important. You should know the risks and benefits of the surgery. Also, consider options like salpingectomy or watching and waiting.

“Choosing to have a hysterectomy should be a thoughtful decision. It’s about considering how it might change your life and health in the long run.”

Discussing Options with Healthcare Providers

Talking to your healthcare providers about your options is vital. You should understand the risks and benefits of hysterectomy. Also, learn about other ways to prevent problems.

• Learn why a hysterectomy is suggested
• Explore alternatives like salpingectomy
• Think about how it might affect hormone therapy and your health

By weighing these factors and talking to your healthcare team, you can make a well-informed choice about your health.

Conclusion

A hysterectomy is a big surgery that can affect ovarian cancer risk. It removes the uterus, but its effect on preventing ovarian cancer is more complicated.

Studies show that a hysterectomy by itself might not greatly lower ovarian cancer risk. But, when the ovaries are also removed, the risk drops more.

Women thinking about a hysterectomy should talk to their doctor about their risk factors. This includes genetic risks and family history. Knowing how a hysterectomy affects ovarian cancer risk is key to making good health choices.

Looking into the link between hysterectomy and ovarian cancer risk helps women make better choices. This way, they can reduce cancer risk while staying healthy.

FAQ

References

1. National Cancer Institute. (2021). Oophorectomy and ovarian cancer risk. https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian/risk-reduction-fact-sheet