Researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University have discovered a promising procedure that may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer for women who want to bear children but are at high risk of ovarian cancer. Rather than remove the ovaries, scientists have discovered that eliminating a layer of cells called ovarian surface epithelium may greatly reduce the risk. In tests on animals subjects, researchers removed this layer of cells where ovarian cancer usually begins. The animals continued to produce eggs at a normal rate and there were no adverse negative consequences to the health of the test subjects.
Further testing is planned. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and was published in the journal Human Reproduction.