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Link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer

Winjess
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I had surgery for breast cancer earlier this year. Recently I had a follow up appointment on gynaecology investigations I had last year ( I have an ovarian cyst and some fibroids, non cancerous) and the consultant recommended that I have my ovaries removed, possibly my uterus too as there is a link between breast cancer and ovarian cancer. This would be as a precaution. It was a shock as I didn't think any more surgery was on the horizon. I can see his point of view, those organs aren't needed any more and ovarian cancer isn't normally spotted until it is too late, however I don't understand what the risks are in having this surgery, and what the recovery time would be as I have just opened a boarding cattery and I was getting on with my life. I'd like some advice please or information. Thanks Linda.

  • Hi Winjess ,

     

    My name is Keith and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     We hope you’re finding the information and the support from our online community helpful.

    Its natural in a situation like this to have concerns re possible risks of having further surgery.

    Consultants will consider possible risk factors of a cancer coming back or a new cancer developing in the future.

     

    Having had breast cancer previously has shown to increase the risk of getting a gynaecological cancer ‘

    This information also discusses the small possibility of an inherited risk factors

    Your gynaecologist is probably coming from a risk versus benefit scenario and must feel that having this preventative surgery would be your best option.

    However, you must make what we call an informed treatment choice. To do this you need to be made aware of the risks versus benefits of the treatment being offered. Every situation is different, so having a further conversation with your consultant/specialist nurse to gain a better understanding of what would be your best option moving forward so you can make the best possible decision for your individual set of circumstances.

    This information will give you general information to look at prior to having this conversation with your team.

    If you’d like further explanation or have any other questions, please feel free to recontact us. By giving us a give us a call or contact us via our web chat platform.

    take care.

    Keith, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref KM/UH

     

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