Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Approaches to Study Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Colonization of Milky Spot Structures in Peritoneal Adipose
Published on: October 14, 2015
Breastfeeding and the risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis
Introduction:
The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the association between breastfeeding and risk of ovarian cancer.
Methods:
Relevant observational studies were identified by a search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through December 2012. Summary odds ratios (ORs) for ovarian cancer, comparing women who had breastfed with women who had not, were calculated using a random-effects model. A dose-response meta-analysis assessed the risk of ovarian cancer by breastfeeding duration.
Results:
A total of 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with women who had not breastfed, women who had breastfed had a significantly decreased risk of ovarian cancer, with an OR of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.57-0.76; P < .001). We observed an inverse linear relationship with breastfeeding duration: for every one-month increase in breastfeeding, the OR was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P < .001). A nonlinear association was also apparent, with a sharp decrease in the OR when breastfeeding duration was 8 to 10 months. There was evidence of heterogeneity (I(2) = 83.9%). No publication bias was found (Begg test, P = 0.89; Egger test, P = 0.89).
Discussion:
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer proportional to duration. Breastfeeding for 8 to 10 months may be most effective for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Survival Analysis
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Oogenesis
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...

