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Did you know that having the ovaries removed is linked with the reduction of breast cancer-related deaths by 62 percent? In a new study, researchers from Toronto, Canada, discovered this can benefit breast cancer sufferers with the BRCA1 gene mutation.

Scientists revealed that women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at a higher risk for breast cancer by as much as 70 percent. These women are also facing an increased likelihood for ovarian cancer if the breast cancer develops.

The researchers from the Women's College Research Institute studied about 670 women who have the gene anomaly as well as struggling with early-stage breast cancer. Of these participants, around 340 went through a procedure to have their ovaries removed while the rest retained theirs.

After 20 years, 77 percent of the first group are still alive. There was a 56-percent reduction in breast cancer-related deaths among those who had their ovaries removed; there was an even higher reduction, by 62 percent, among women with the BRCA1 gene mutation. For women with BRCA2 mutation who had their ovaries removed, there was a 43-percent decrease in breast cancer deaths.

Ovary removal was performed six years on average after each participant was diagnosed with breast cancer. Around 70 of them with BRCA1 had their ovaries taken out within two years from the time of diagnosis, and researchers noted a 73-percent decrease in death in this group.

Moreover, the researchers reported that the protective benefits of the ovary-removal procedure are immediate and can last up to 15 years.

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