Quality of Life After Prophylactic Oophorectomy
Abstract
Risk reducing surgery remains an important option for women at risk for ovarian cancer, yet the quality of life implications of such surgery are vastly understudied. Our effort to prospectively study women who choose prophylactic surgery is providing much-needed feedback for other women who seek counseling regarding cancer risk reduction strategies. Further, comparing women undergoing surgery with a control group of those who opt not to pursue it provides a more rigorous scientific perspective to support clinical management. Pertinent findings from interim analysis presented here show statistically significant short term differences between groups with the surgery group experiencing more hot flashes, night sweats, decrease in physical and social functioning and decrease in sexual activity frequency and pleasure. There is no difference in self-concept between groups. The coming year will allow for completion of data collection and final comprehensive analysis to determine changes in quality of life over time and between the two groups. This study's outcomes will be directly translatable to the women who need this important information to develop coping strategies for increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428590
Entities
People
- Mary B. Daly
Organizations
- Fox Chase Cancer Center