Quality of Life After Prophylactic Oophorectomy

摘要

As an increasing number of women at risk for ovarian cancer pursue risk-reducing surgery, they deserve research-based information on the quality of life implications of this option. In response to this vastly understudied area, this prospective study compares quality of life variables between two groups of women at increased risk of ovarian cancer. Both groups considered risk-reducing oophorectomy; one proceded with surgery and the other did not. The groups were matched in age, race, education, marital status and BRCA gene mutation testing status. Important findings from this analysis presented here show statistically significant short term differences between groups with the surgery group experiencing more hot flashes, night sweats, cold sweats, decrease in physical and social functioning and decrease in sexual activity frequency and pleasure. These changes are understandable given that the majority of women were premenopausal at the time of surgery. The abrupt drop in hormone levels after ovary removal accounts for the symptoms reported. Managing these menopausal symptoms is a key area of clinical intervention. Despite the challenge of menopausal symptoms, women in the surgery group reported an extremely high level of satisfaction with and confidence in their decision. Also there was no difference in self-concept between groups.