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Ovarian Ablation (Shutdown or Removal)
for Breast Cancer Patients
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The ovaries are a source of most estrogen in premenopausal women. Ovarian ablation means stopping the ovaries from making hormones such as estrogen. This can be performed several ways:
- The ovaries can be removed surgically (oophorectomy)
- Radiation therapy can be given to the ovaries
- Drugs called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (goserelin aileuprolide) block estrogen production by the ovaries
Although the most common hormonal therapy used in premenopausal women is tamoxifen, your doctor may recommend removing the ovaries. This decreases the amount of estrogen in your body and may be combined with tamoxifen to avoid further stimulation of cancer growth.
For more information about breast cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427). The breast cancer scheduling department can be reached at 215-728-3001.
