Opportunistic salpingectomy is associated with fewer serous and epithelial ovarian cancers than hysterectomy alone or tubal ligation, a population-based cohort study shows.

The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, strengthen the evidence for presenting this prophylactic option to patients “at average risk” of ovarian tumours, the Canadian researchers say.

“We recommend that clinicians discuss OS [opportunistic salpingectomy] with their patients and tell them about the safety and preliminary effectiveness evidence for this procedure,” said study author Dr Gillian Hanley, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

“We still have no effective screening method for ovarian cancer; thus, prevention is our best approach, and these data suggest that OS is a safe and effective prevention strategy.”