Researchers make an important breakthrough in the treatment of ovarian cancer

"It's a terrible disease".

Ovarian cancer has been described as a silent killer as some of the key symptoms are often mistaken for other medical conditions. Researchers have been working to find out as much as possible about the disease and in doing so, they have uncovered a breakthrough regarding the prescribed treatment of this type of cancer. It's believed that one of the most deadly forms of ovarian cancer starts in the fallopian tubes and many experts are now of the opinion that removing them can minimise the risk of developing cancer, a procedure termed a salpingectomy. Of course, this would be a major issue for women hoping to have children but it is a key development nonetheless. Speaking to CNN, Dr. Noelle Cloven, a gynecologic oncologist, who's based in Fort Worth, Texas, said:

"It's a really interesting topic and it's practice-changing. "Any opportunity to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer or improve our understanding of ovarian cancer, I'm in support of that. It's a terrible disease."

Salpingectomy has been recommended by many health professionals too with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advising their patients to discuss the fact that this procedure could help to lessen the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in the latter stages when it is much more difficult to treat. According to data from the National Cancer Registry in Ireland, approximately 350 women are diagnosed each year in Ireland and 80% are over 50 years of age. Each year, 276 women in Ireland die from the disease which is why any news of a breakthrough in treatment is regarded as positive. For more information, check out the Irish Ovarian Cancer website here.