Ovarian Cancer: Removing Fallopian Tubes May Reduce Risk, New Study Finds

A relatively simple surgical procedure – removing the fallopian tubes during other abdominal surgeries – can dramatically reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to new research published February 2, 2026. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, offer a promising avenue for preventing the most lethal form of ovarian cancer.

The procedure, known as opportunistic salpingectomy (OS), involves removing the fallopian tubes when a woman is already undergoing surgery for other reasons, such as a hysterectomy or tubal ligation. Researchers found that women who underwent OS were 78% less likely to develop serous ovarian cancer, the most common and aggressive type, compared to those who did not have the surgery. In the rare cases where ovarian cancer did develop after OS, the cancers tended to be less biologically aggressive.

“This study clearly demonstrates that removing the fallopian tubes as an add-on during routine surgery can help prevent the most lethal type of ovarian cancer,” said Dr. Gillian Hanley, PhD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, and co-senior author of the study. “It shows how this relatively simple change in surgical practice can have a profound and life-saving impact.”

The research, led by the B.C.-based international collaboration known as the Ovarian Cancer Observatory, analyzed population-based health data from over 85,000 individuals in British Columbia and validated the findings using international pathology data. The study was funded in part by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

Understanding the Shift in Ovarian Cancer Origin

For many years, ovarian cancer was thought to originate in the ovaries themselves. However, recent research has revealed that the majority of the most dangerous forms of ovarian cancer actually begin in the fallopian tubes. This discovery has led to a paradigm shift in preventative strategies, with opportunistic salpingectomy emerging as a key intervention.

B.C. Was the first jurisdiction in the world to offer OS in 2010, after researchers from UBC, BC Cancer, and Vancouver Coastal Health designed the approach. The procedure is particularly appealing because it leaves the ovaries intact, preserving hormone production and minimizing side effects.

“Ovarian cancer is a complex disease, and there’s no screening test that can find it in the pre-cancerous or early stages, as you can with cervical cancer, for example,” explains Associate Professor Orla McNally, director of gynaecological oncology at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. “By the time it’s detected it’s usually well advanced, and most women die within five years.”

What Does This Mean for Patients?

For women undergoing planned abdominal surgery – such as hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, hysterectomy, or planned caesarean section – discussing the option of opportunistic salpingectomy with their surgeon is now a crucial step. The procedure can often be added to the existing surgery with minimal additional risk.

“We’ve known for about 20 years that the majority of the most lethal ovarian cancers start in the Fallopian tubes. If this procedure were done routinely, it could reduce the numbers of ovarian cancers by 65 per cent – and this could save a lot of lives,” says McNally.

Unlike removing the ovaries, removing the fallopian tubes does not induce early menopause or significantly affect hormone production. This makes it a particularly attractive preventative option for women who have completed childbearing.

Alex Armstrong, a 39-year-old physiotherapist from Melbourne, underwent opportunistic salpingectomy last year during surgery to treat adenomyosis. Her decision was influenced by a strong family history of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer in multiple generations. “My mother’s prognosis was good, but the memories of what my grandmother went through came flooding back,” Armstrong shared. While she doesn’t carry the BRCA2 gene mutation herself, her family’s experience motivated her to proactively reduce her risk.

Implementation and Future Directions

While the benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy are becoming increasingly clear, widespread implementation requires education and training for surgeons. Surgeons specializing in areas other than gynecology, such as gastric surgery or hernia repair, may need additional training or collaboration with a gynecologist to perform the procedure effectively.

Professor Martha Hickey, of the University of Melbourne, is leading the Australian part of an international study investigating whether women at high risk of ovarian cancer due to BRCA1/2 gene mutations can safely have only their tubes removed, rather than both tubes and ovaries. This research aims to refine preventative strategies and minimize the impact on hormone production.

The growing body of evidence supporting opportunistic salpingectomy represents a significant step forward in ovarian cancer prevention. By proactively addressing the risk at the source – the fallopian tubes – healthcare providers can potentially save countless lives.