Analgesic drug use and risk of ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previous epidemiologic research suggests that analgesic use may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, although results are not consistent. METHODS: In a population-based, case-control study, we analyzed data from 586 ovarian cancer cases and 627 matched controls in North Carolina for the relationship between analgesic use and ovarian cancer risk. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Use of any nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, including aspirin, within 5 years of diagnosis/interview was found to be associated with a reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer (adjusted OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.56-0.92). For use of acetaminophen, the OR was 0.78 (95% CI = 0.56-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: These data support an inverse relationship between the use of both nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and acetaminophen and the risk of ovarian cancer.

Duke Scholars

Author Joellen Martha Schildkraut Family Medicine and Community Health, Prevention Research

Author Patricia Gripka Moorman Family Medicine and Community Health, Prevention Research

Author Susan Halabi Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics

Author Jeffrey R. Marks Surgery, Surgical Sciences

Author Andrew Berchuck Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology