We’ve known for some time that prophylactic mastectomies and oophorectomies (the removal of healthy breast tissue and healthy ovaries) can drastically reduce a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer. However, a brand new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that women with BRCA mutations are also more likely to live longer if they have their ovaries removed than women with BRCA mutations who don’t. The study also confirmed that prophylactic mastectomies drastically lower breast cancer risk.

Of course, that doesn’t mean women should immediately run out to schedule these operations. What it does mean is that a woman who thinks she might have a high risk for breast cancer—based on family history (mother’s and father’s side) or other risk factors—should talk to a genetic counselor about whether genetic testing is something she should persue. Then, depending on the results of the test (if she chooses to test) and other risk factors, that woman can work with her genetic counselor to determine the course of action that’s best for her.

This new study is helping to bring BRCA into the limelight even further. And as the media, researchers, and medical experts pay more attention to previvors, the better the options will become for those who choose to do something to defy their fate.

If you’re considering genetic testing, contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors to find an expert in your area: www.nsgc.org.