Personal stories about having surgery to prevent ovarian cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Sandra, age 35: I am from one of those families with lots of cancer-including ovarian cancer-in parents, aunts, and cousins. It was a hard decision to have my ovaries removed, but it was logical for me. I did a lot of research before I made the decision, and now I just feel safer.

Keiko, age 40: I had my ovaries removed last year because I have a very strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. I wish I had thought more ahead of time about what can happen when your ovaries are gone. I went into menopause at age 40 and have had a pretty miserable time of it. I seem to have all the worst symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, and loss of sex drive.

Dee, age 28: I have a couple of relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, but I'm not going to have my ovaries removed. Surgery seems like too drastic a step. I would rather take my chances and hope that cancer is not in the cards for me. I know some people couldn't live with the "threat" of cancer hanging over them, but I'm OK with it.

Amaia, age 31: I have had genetic testing and am BRCA positive, so my risk for ovarian cancer is very high. I had my ovaries removed because I want to do everything I can possibly do to keep from getting the cancer that runs in my family.

Salma, age 27: My grandmother died of ovarian cancer, and I have a cousin who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought that meant that I was definitely going to get one or both cancers. But I talked to my doctor and found out it's not a definite thing. I don't want to have my ovaries removed, but I am going to have regular checkups and testing. And I have started to take birth control pills too.