Sporadic Ovarian and Fallopian Tube Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Sporadic (non-hereditary) ovarian cancer is highly prevalent during the second half of life. Unfortunately, to date there are no useful strategies for its early diagnosis, and it is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. In many cases, the disease may start in the fallopian tubes and malignant cells migrate to implant in the ovary. This fact has determined the recommendation to carry out opportunistic salpingectomy as a general preventive measure in women who have completed their childbearing. Other modifiable ovarian cancer risk factors include (1) maintaining a normal body mass index and avoid gaining>5 kg/m2; (2) avoiding cigarette consumption; (3) appropriate treatment and follow-up of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and previous ovarian borderline tumors; and (4) the maintaining of physical activity. Other recommendations include (1) encouraging breastfeeding for at least 1 year; (2) the use of combined oral contraceptives; (3) performing salpingectomy instead of just tubal ligation; (4) using low-fat diets for at least 4 years; and (5) consuming moderate amounts of red wine and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.