Genetic counseling can predict the likelihood of having a gene mutation associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine offers genetic screening and counseling for BRCA-related cancers. If you are found to carry one of these gene mutations, we can help determine a prevention strategy for you and, if necessary, your children.

Taking oral contraceptives (also called “the birth-control pill”) can reduce the risk of fallopian tube cancer in some people. However, this treatment can also increase the risk of breast cancer and raises the risk of blood clots, particularly in people who smoke. Research continues to examine the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives in relation to fallopian tube cancer.

Giving birth may lower the risk of fallopian tube cancer. The risk continues to lower with every birth. Similarly, breastfeeding may also lower the risk. This effect increases when breastfeeding is continued for at least eight months.

If you are at an extremely high risk for fallopian tube cancer, your doctor may recommend preventive surgery, such as a tubal ligation (surgery to close the fallopian tubes) or a salpingectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes).

If you have gene mutations that raise your fallopian tube cancer risk, such as those to BRCA1 and BRCA2, your doctor might recommend a risk-reducing surgery to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries (salpingo-oophorectomy) before cancer can develop.