Changing the Risk Threshold for Surgical Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a lethal disease and a major cause of deaths from gynaecological cancer particularly in western countries. Despite advances in treatment, there have been only marginal improvements in survival rates over the last 30years. Additionally, the number of OC cases in the UK is estimated to increase by 27-45%, which translates to a 15% rise in the incidence rate by 2035.(1) A national OC screening programme is unavailable as this has not yet shown a conclusive mortality benefit.(2) Hence, primary prevention continues to be the cornerstone in reducing the burden of OC and improving health outcomes. This is essential to achieve long term transformational change and cost-efficiencies in our health-system. Its importance is amplified by current economic restraints, with a ~2.4% funding shortfall reported in the UK National-Health-Service (NHS). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved