Assessment of Perceptions and Practices in Primary Care Providers Regarding Opportunistic Salpingectomy

Introduction/ObjectiveOpportunistic salpingectomy (OS) has been shown to reduce high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) by 42-80%, yet awareness of this strategy outside of obstetrics and gynecology remains limited. The objective of this study was to assess awareness and counseling practices regarding OS for HGSOC prevention among primary care providers (PCPs).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey study using a 6-item electronic survey evaluating PCP knowledge and counseling practices related to HGSOC prevention through OS. The study was conducted at a single tertiary care center with gynecologic oncology services. Survey items assessed awareness of HGSOC origin, awareness of OS as a preventative strategy, counseling frequency in the setting of abdominal or pelvic surgery, counseling comfort, and resources needed to increase confidence in recommending OS. Response formats included Likert scales and Yes/No/Unsure options. The survey was distributed by email to attending physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) in the Department of Family Medicine (FM) and Internal Medicine (IM).ResultsOf 398 providers surveyed, 136 responded (34% overall response rate; FM 44%, IM 28%), including 96 attending physicians and 40 APPs. Most PCPs were unaware that HGSOC originates in the fallopian tubes (60%) and were unaware of OS as a preventive strategy (71%). Counseling was uncommon: 11% had ever counseled on OS, while 74% had not and 15% reported it was outside their scope. Most respondents (63%) reported being not at all comfortable counseling patients about OS. Providers identified clinical guidelines (60%), CME or training modules (50%), eligibility criteria (48%), gynecology collaboration pathways (48%), and patient-friendly materials (44%) as key supports to improve counseling confidence.ConclusionPCP awareness and counseling regarding OS are limited. Given that guideline support for OS has solidified only in recent years, these gaps are not surprising-and they represent a clear, actionable opportunity. PCPs are well-positioned to lead the expansion of ovarian cancer prevention beyond specialty care with the right tools and support.