Risk of ovarian cancer in relation to use of phenolphthalein-containing laxatives
2000
Ovarian Cancer Risk and Laxatives
Sample size: 1123
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Cooper G S, Longnecker M P, Sandler D P, Ness R B
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between the use of phenolphthalein-containing laxatives and the risk of ovarian cancer?
Conclusion
The study found no significant association between the use of phenolphthalein-containing laxatives and the risk of ovarian cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 410 cases of ovarian cancer were compared to 713 controls.
- Ever use of phenolphthalein-containing laxatives showed an odds ratio of 1.1.
- More frequent use of laxatives showed an odds ratio of 1.2 for 75 or more days of use.
- Using non-phenolphthalein laxatives as a reference group showed slightly higher odds ratios.
Takeaway
Using certain laxatives doesn't seem to make women more likely to get ovarian cancer.
Methodology
The study compared 410 ovarian cancer cases with 713 controls regarding their laxative use.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.9–1.4
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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