Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): M. Booth, V. Beral, P. Smith
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the independent contributions of reproductive history and contraceptive use to ovarian cancer risk?
Conclusion
High gravidity, hysterectomy, female sterilization, and oral contraceptive use are associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, while infertility and late age at menopause increase the risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Nulligravid women had a higher risk of ovarian cancer than gravid women.
- The risk of ovarian cancer increased with increasing duration of unprotected intercourse.
- Women who reported hysterectomy had a much reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
- Oral contraceptive use was associated with a statistically significant reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
- Age at natural menopause was strongly related to ovarian cancer risk.
Takeaway
Women who have more children or use birth control pills are less likely to get ovarian cancer, while those who have trouble getting pregnant or go through menopause later are more likely to get it.
Methodology
A hospital-based case-control study comparing 235 women with ovarian cancer to 451 controls, using questionnaires to gather reproductive and contraceptive history.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the unmatched control selection and reliance on self-reported reproductive history.
Limitations
The study was limited to women under 65 and relied on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Women aged less than 65 years, with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer made within two years of interview.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1-2.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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