Ellen T. Matloff, MS, CGC, director, Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Program at the Yale School of Medicine/Yale Cancer Center, discusses the proper age for a carrier of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation to undergo oophorectomy.
Recent data has been released showing that BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers who undergo an oophorectomy at age 35 have a longer life expectancy. Matloff says she was concerned with the way the data were reported because it could have appeared that 35 was a “magic age.”
In some patients, such as those with a family history of ovarian cancer before age 35, it may make sense to implement risk-reduction strategies earlier on. In other patients, such as those who not done with child bearing, it’s possible to wait until age 36.
Matloff says she recommends that all BRCA carriers discuss their mutation, personal and family history, and treatment options with a certified genetic counselor.
