Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological malignancy but is the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death. Ovarian cancer screening has not been proven to be associated with statistically significant reduction in mortality from ovarian cancer. However, evidence demonstrates that prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy significantly reduces the risk of developing gynaecological and breast cancer in women who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Moreover, there is 4–20% incidence of histological diagnosis of occult ovarian malignancy found after prophylactic surgery. Identifying and counselling patients with hereditary conditions that predispose them to higher chance of breast and gynaecological cancer is extremely important. Clinical information should include protective measures, fertility implications, surgical premature menopause and its short- and long-term implications and availability of hormone replacement therapy.