On Monday, AFP news cited a study which said that preventive surgeries might be able to lower the possibility of contracting breast or ovarian cancer.

The researchers trailed 2,482 women, who had some genetic mutations, and found out preventative operations, which are done to take out the ovaries or fallopian tubes, almost ruled out the occurrence of breast or ovarian cancer.

A co-author of the study, Virginia Kaklamani said that the study is first of its kind, which shows that a woman, who has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, can live longer if she undergoes preemptive surgeries. She said that with this study, they have not only discovered the benefits of preventative surgery, but the significance of genetic testing has also come to the surface.

Genetic testing can be helpful in identifying if there are gene mutations in the body or not. The researchers said, “Cosmetic options for women getting mastectomies have greatly improved”.

They explained that the amputation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is a non-risky, out-patient process. Also, consciousness about the disease, timely prognosis and right treatment are vital to battle ovarian cancer.

Therefore, women at risk should not waste time and consult their doctors to know more about ovarian and breast cancer and measures to combat it.