The BRCA1/2 risk-reduction salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is recommended at a specific age to balance cancer prevention with surgical menopause effects. For BRCA1 mutation carriers, RRSO is recommended between:
- A 35–40 years after childbearing is complete ✓
- B 40–45 years after childbearing is complete
- C 45–50 years regardless of childbearing
- D After natural menopause
Explanation
For BRCA1 mutation carriers, RRSO is recommended between ages 35–40 years (after completion of childbearing) because BRCA1-associated ovarian cancer risk begins rising significantly in the early 40s, with a cumulative lifetime risk of 39–58%. For BRCA2 carriers, RRSO is recommended at 40–45 years given the later onset of ovarian cancer risk. RRSO reduces ovarian cancer risk by >90% and also reduces breast cancer risk by 40–50% in BRCA carriers. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) until natural menopause age can mitigate menopausal symptoms without significantly offsetting the cancer risk reduction.
Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.