Risk factors for ovarian cancer in Taiwan: A case-control study in a low-incidence population
Journal
Gynecologic Oncology
Journal Volume
89
Journal Issue
2
Pages
318-324
Date Issued
2003
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for ovarian cancer in Taiwan, a low-incidence population where the incidence has been on the rise. Methods. Cases were 86 women (age range 20-75, median 47) drawn from patients with primary, invasive epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed between 1993 and 1998 in the Taipei metropolitan area, with the following histologic subtypes: 35% serous, 27% mucinous, 21% endometrioid, 15% clear cell, and 2% unspecified adenocarcinoma. Controls were 369 women (age range 20-75, median 44) selected from patients who were hospitalized at the same time for treatment of unrelated diseases. Subjects were interviewed in person regarding sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics, family and medical history, and diet. Results. A strong inverse relationship of ovarian cancer to each live birth was observed (odds ratio (OR) = 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.20-0.89; OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13-0.69; and OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.05-0.62 for parity of 1 or 2, 3-5, and >5, respectively). Menopause was associated with increased risk of disease (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.21-3.83). A trend toward protection was seen with breastfeeding for more than 1 year (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.29-1.01). No dietary factor was associated with an increased disease risk. Milk intake was associated with a decreased disease risk (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.28-0.74). Conclusion. The strong protective effect of parity was supported by this study, and the decline in parity is likely an important reason for the rising incidence of ovarian cancer in Taiwan. A decreased disease risk was also seen with milk intake. In addition, the difference in the distribution of histologic subtypes in this population compared with high-incidence populations may point to further differences in risk factors. ? 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adenocarcinoma; adult; aged; anamnesis; article; breast feeding; cancer classification; cancer diagnosis; cancer incidence; cancer invasion; cancer prevention; cancer risk; case control study; clear cell carcinoma; confidence interval; controlled study; demography; diet; endometrioid carcinoma; epithelium; family history; female; histology; human; interview; major clinical study; menopause; milk; mucinous carcinoma; ovary carcinoma; parity; population research; priority journal; reproduction; risk factor; Taiwan
Type
journal article