Imagine a world where we could prevent thousands of ovarian cancer deaths each year with a single, simple procedure. It sounds too good to be true, but surgeons say it’s not only possible—it’s already within our reach. Ovarian cancer, often called the 'silent killer,' claims over 12,000 lives annually (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/key-statistics.html), largely because it’s detected too late and lacks reliable screening methods. But here’s where it gets groundbreaking: experts from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) (https://www.facs.org/) believe that a preventive procedure, when performed alongside routine surgeries, could stop many cases before they even start.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the science is promising, many women aren’t even aware this option exists. Why? Let’s dive in.
Traditionally, ovarian cancer was thought to originate in the ovaries. However, recent research (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2805794) reveals that many aggressive forms actually begin in the fallopian tubes—structures that, after childbearing years, serve no essential purpose. Removing these tubes during unrelated surgeries, a procedure called opportunistic salpingectomy, could prevent up to 80% of the most common and deadly ovarian cancers (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37672283/). Yet, this life-saving option is rarely discussed with patients.
At the ACS Clinical Congress 2025 (https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/conferences-and-meetings/clinical-congress-2025/) in Chicago, Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, executive vice chair of surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine, emphasized the need to involve general surgeons in this fight. ‘Ovarian cancer is often detected late, with devastating outcomes,’ he said. ‘By integrating fallopian tube removal into procedures like hernia repair or gallbladder removal, we can make a significant impact.’
And this is the part most people miss: this procedure isn’t just for high-risk patients. Women aged 45 or older, with no family history of ovarian cancer, are ideal candidates. Experts estimate that offering this procedure in just 60% of eligible surgeries (https://journals.lww.com/journalacs/fulltext/2025/09000/aroleforgeneralsurgeryinsavinglivesfrom.28.aspx) could save nearly 6,000 lives annually. Plus, it preserves the ovaries, maintaining hormone production.
Dr. Kara Long of Memorial Sloan Kettering puts it powerfully: ‘This isn’t just a statistic—it’s less pain, less suffering, and fewer lives lost. We want patients to know they have a choice.’
Despite growing recognition—with organizations like the American Cancer Society (https://pressroom.cancer.org/outsmart-ovarian-cancer) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/04/opportunistic-salpingectomy-as-a-strategy-for-epithelial-ovarian-cancer-prevention) advocating for it—barriers remain. Insurance coverage is inconsistent, and surgeons need more training. The procedure, which adds just 5 to 13 minutes to a surgery, is safe but permanently prevents natural conception (though IVF remains an option).
Here’s the bold question: If this procedure could save thousands of lives, why isn’t it standard practice? Dr. Rebecca Stone of Johns Hopkins challenges us: ‘Opportunistic salpingectomy is as transformative as preventive measures for colon cancer. Expanding access is one of medicine’s greatest challenges today.’
So, what do you think? Should this procedure be more widely offered, or are there ethical concerns we’re overlooking? Let’s start the conversation—because preventing ovarian cancer before it starts could change everything.
Additional Resources for Journalists
- Opportunistic Salpingectomy During Cholecystectomy Is Safe, Cost-Effective Way to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Rates (https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/acs-brief/october-14-2025-issue/opportunistic-salpingectomy-during-cholecystectomy-is-safe-cost-effective-way-to-reduce-ovarian-cancer-rates/)
- A Role for General Surgery in Saving Lives from Ovarian Cancer (https://journals.lww.com/journalacs/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2025&issue=09000&article=00028&type=Fulltext) [Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAmrnIEhoQo]
For expert interviews, contact pressinquiry@facs.org. More resources are available at www.facs.org/media-center/resources-for-journalists/.
About the American College of Surgeons
Founded in 1913, the ACS (https://www.facs.org/) is the world’s largest surgical organization, dedicated to improving patient care and surgical standards. With 90,000 members, it’s a leading voice in surgical innovation and advocacy. Follow them on X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
