Experience of Risk-reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy for a BRCA1 Mutation Carrier and Establishment of a System Performing a Preventive Surgery for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome in Japan: Our Challenges for the Future

Background Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is currently regarded as the most certain primary method for preventing ovarian cancer among BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. However, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy has rarely been performed in Japan. Methods We developed the first system in Japan for performing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers at our university hospital in 2008. Results The indication for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for patients with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome is currently limited in Japan. This situation may be because of the limited number of genetic counseling units, the limited number of facilities that can perform BRCA1/2 genetic testing and the fact that prophylactic surgery is not covered by health insurance in Japan. Conclusions Recent treatment guidelines for breast cancer in Japan recommended risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy should be performed in the framework of the standard therapeutic modality for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers in the near future.