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Estrogen replacement therapy and ovarian cancer
Aaron R Folsom1, Jeffrey P Anderson, Julie A Ross
1Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota55454-1015, USA. folsom@epi.umn.edu
Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
|January 9, 2004
Summary
Long-term estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) use after menopause may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. This study found a higher risk associated with ERT use exceeding five years.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous meta-analysis showed no link between ERT and ovarian cancer.
- Emerging evidence suggests long-term ERT may elevate ovarian cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the association between ERT and epithelial ovarian cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 31,381 postmenopausal women in Iowa.
- Follow-up period of 15 years.
- Analysis of ERT use at baseline and time-dependent use.
Main Results:
- Current ERT users had a 1.7-fold increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to never-users.
- Risk increased to 2.5-fold for women using ERT for over 5 years.
- No association found for former ERT use.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged postmenopausal ERT use is linked to increased epithelial ovarian cancer risk.