OvDex

OvDex is a decision support intervention for women at familial risk of ovarian cancer considering risk-reducing surgery, being developed as part of a PhD project funded by the Emma Jane Demery Bequest Fund.

Aim

To develop and pilot a decision support intervention for women who are at familial risk of ovarian / breast cancer and are considering risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).

Background

Women from families with a high number ovarian / breast cancer cases may be at increased risk for those cancers. In the UK these women are offered risk-reducing BSO, surgical removal of healthy ovaries and fallopian tubes. This surgery reduces ovarian cancer risk by up to 80% and breast cancer risk by up to 50%. However, the operation is not without risk and results in infertility and surgical menopause.

About the study

OvDex will be a decision support intervention designed to help women make a decision about risk-reducing BSO. Developed with the help of health professionals and women considering BSO, the prototype intervention will then be piloted and results are expected to be available in 2013.

To find out more email: WittJ1@cardiff.ac.uk