Psychosexual Consequences of Risk-reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy

Short Rationale: Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is a mainstay in preventing ovarian cancer in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, as ovarian cancer screening is ineffective in detecting ovarian cancer in an early and curable stage. Women who underwent RRSO experienced bothersome menopausal symptoms and worsening of sexual functioning related to acute surgical menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will mitigate some of the RRSO induced menopausal complaints, however it does not reduce the complaints to a premenopausal level and the sexual symptoms are not alleviated. Mindfulness interventions were found to improve sexual functioning and alleviate menopausal symptoms in various populations. It has not been investigated whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is effective in mitigating the RRSO-induced menopausal complaints in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and if this effect is sustained over a longer period of time. Objective: To examine the effect of MBSR training on the menopause-specific quality of life in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who experience RRSO-induced menopausal complaints. Study population: Female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who were younger than 52 years at the time of RRSO reporting two or more moderate to severe menopause related complaints after undergoing RRSO. Study design: Prospective randomized controlled trial with a follow-up time of twelve months conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) Intervention: Eight-week MBSR training consisting of a weekly class of two and half hours and a full retreat day. Furthermore participants are asked to practice mindfulness exercises at home for 45 minutes, six days a week. Main study parameters/endpoints: Menopause specific quality of life score measured by the Menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL). Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: There are no risks associated with taking part in a MBSR training or filling out the questionnaires that will be used in this study. The content of the questionnaires concerns intimate matters and could be considered burdensome. A possible benefit for the participants of the MBSR training is that participants will be more able to cope with their complaints after RRSO. The group relatedness is reflected in the fact that RRSO is specifically performed in women with a hereditary risk of ovarian cancer such as BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Sex

Female

Inclusion Criteria:

* younger than 52 years at the time of risk-reducing salpinghoophorectomy
* no active cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe cognitive or psychiatric problems
* no sufficient mastery of the Dutch language