Early Menopause Not Related to Early-Onset Ovarian Cancer
ACOG NEWS RELEASEFor Release: June 30, 2001
7:00 AM EDT
Early Menopause Not Related to Early-Onset Ovarian Cancer
WASHINGTON, DC — A new study finds that going through an early menopause is not associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. It has been postulated that high concentrations of certain hormones (FSH and LH) occurring when the ovaries begin to shut down may increase the risk of developing early-onset (before age 48) ovarian cancer.
In the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, researchers reviewed data from six population-based case-control studies of women with invasive ovarian cancer. They found no evidence that early menopause was related to early-onset ovarian cancer among women and thus no reason for increased ovarian cancer screening among women with early menopause. Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, however, were more likely to have known or suspected risk factors for the disease, including increased age; history of breast or ovarian cancer in a mother or sister; higher body mass index (BMI); lower likelihood of oral contraception use; lower likelihood of having had a tubal ligation; and few full-term pregnancies.
Contact: Joellen M. Schildkraut, PhD, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC, at schil001@mc.duke.edu.
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Studies published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of ACOG. ACOG is the national medical organization representing nearly 40,000 physicians who provide health care for women.
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