Analgesic Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk: An Analysis in the Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium
, by DCEG Staff
In a new study, DCEG researchers and collaborators analyzed data from 13 studies in the Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium (OC3) in order to prospectively investigate associations of analgesic use with ovarian cancer risk. They found that women under the age of 70 who use aspirin (or non-aspirin NSAIDS) daily or almost daily for at least six months have a ~10 percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who use it infrequently or not at all.
Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecological cancer. Taking aspirin daily may reduce the long-term effects of chronic inflammation influential in ovarian carcinogenesis. However, effects of long-term analgesic use on ovarian carcinogenesis are still unknown. Additionally, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend frequent aspirin use in women aged 70 or older because of increased risks for adverse events in this population. In all cases, women should consult their health care providers before beginning new medication in order to balance most appropriately any potential risks with the potential benefits.
Reference: Trabert B, et al. Analgesic use and ovarian cancer risk: An analysis in the Ovarian Cancer Cohort Consortium. J Natl Cancer Inst 2018 May 31. DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djy100. [Epub ahead of print]