Women should have ovaries removed at 40

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Women ‘should have ovaries removed’ when they are 40 (Thinkstock photos/Getty images)
Women should have ovaries removed at 40
ANI Sep 6, 2011, 06.26pm IST
Tags:

* Women|
* ovarian cancer

Older women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should have their ovaries removed, a leading scientist has said.

Professor Gareth Evans claims it is the only way to protect against deadly tumours, which cannot be picked up by ultrasound and blood test screening.

Women who have already reached middle-age and finished having children would be most suitable for the procedure, as removal of the ovaries triggers the menopause and can lead to heart problems or brittle bones in the young.

"At the moment they can't rely on screening. Once they've completed their family and if they're over 40, they should consider having their ovaries removed," the Telegraph quoted Prof Evans as saying.