BC physicians lead the way in preventing ovarian cancer with opportunistic salpingectomy

Physicians in British Columbia are at the forefront of preventive health care, championing opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) as a transformative approach to reducing ovarian cancer risk.

This innovative procedure involves removing the fallopian tubes during a hysterectomy or other pelvic surgeries for women who have finished having children or are undergoing surgery for non-cancer-related reasons.

Started by BC physicians, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Specialist Services Committee’s Perioperative Clinical Action Network, the opportunistic salpingectomy project received funding from Shared Care in 2024 to support education and implementation throughout BC.

Research shows that many ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, positioning OS as a highly effective preventive measure. By embedding OS into standard practices, BC is advancing women’s health to help reduce ovarian cancer risk without requiring additional surgeries.

Although initially focused on gynecologic procedures, OS is now expanding into routine surgeries performed by general and urologic surgeons, broadening its impact.

“There are few malignancies with an identified prevention strategy, especially those that often present at a late stage of disease. Opportunistic Salpingectomy (OS) offers women the option to significantly decrease their risk of developing ovarian cancer. By combining salpingectomy with an already indicated surgery, the surgical risk is minimized while maximizing potential benefits,” says Dr Heather Stuart, surgical oncologist, clinical associate professor at UBC, and division head of general surgery at Vancouver Acute. “We encourage women to discuss OS with their family doctors and specialist care providers to determine if it is a suitable option for them.”

To support this expansion into routine surgeries, BC Cancer and the Ministry of Health have invested in comprehensive training for health care professionals. Virtual webinars, in-person workshops, and hands-on sessions provide physicians across specialties with the expertise to perform OS safely and effectively.

As OS becomes standard practice in gynecologic surgeries and gains traction across other specialties, BC’s health care community continues to lead by example through collaboration, innovation, and education—working towards world-class surgical and cancer care.

Periodically, the OS team offers educational presentations both virtually and in person. For more information, please contact Melanie Prawdzik.

This project is funded by the Shared Care Committee through the Perioperative Clinical Action Network's Innovation Fund.