Surgical Prevention in Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the second most common malignant disease of the female genital tract, but the first in mortality because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Options for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are limited. Prevention of ovarian cancer relates to primary prevention by avoiding factors that are epidemiologically associated with an increased incidence of ovarian cancer and the adoption of protective habits. These include interventions to exclude the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Secondary prevention is related to early diagnosis. The chapter aims to summarize current evidence on prevention of ovarian cancer as well as role of surgery to prevent advanced-stage disease.