GOG Trial, should I remove my ovaries?

I am trying to decide on whether to remove my ovaries on GOG trial 199. I have 5 relatives on my mother's side, most got diagnosed with breast cancer between 36-43 years old. Most died before they were 50. My GYN ONC believes that I am at high risk, not only for breast cancer, but ovarian. She believes that these women just didn't live long enough to develop ovarian cancer. I am now 44. I am willing to do what it takes to prevent getting cancer. Is removing my ovaries what I need to do? It decreases my breast cancer tisk by 50% and ovarian risk by 99.4%. I am concerned with the side effects of being immerged immediately into menopause but need to do whst is right. What are some of the things I should consider? No one in our family has been genetically tested but I have done the genetic counseling and know that I am at risk.

[Barney22]

Hello there - I met some women in hospital in London when I was having my radical hysterectomy (I was diagnosed with ovca in Oct 04) who had gone through the same testing as yourself after being found through a large scale screening process in the UK London area.  After hearing stories about their families and knowing myself what ovca means if you develop it, I personally would be queuing at the hospital door to have the op done.  I appreciate your anxieties about an early menopause but that's probably only about 6 years ahead for you anyway ie naturally.  The menopause for most women is far far easier than dealing with ovca and not life threatening.  The women I met just had simple ops to remove the ovaries and were off home within 2 days.  I think they were  grateful to have it done especially as one of them had already had a bout of breast cancer.  Most of them were around late 40's and early 50s but one was only in her late 30s.  She had lost a sister and her mother to ovca so decided to go ahead.    I probably sound too pro-op but believe me ovca is not a risk you want to take if you can possibly avoid it.  Very best wishes, Jenny