Large-scale analysis to identify risk factors for ovarian cancer
The UK Biobank recruited 500,000 participants during the period 2006-2010. A questionnaire and blood and urine tests together with physical exam provide base-line information looking for biomarkers of subsequent disease.
During the follow up 1441 cases of ovarian cancer were detected. Data from the initialsurvey was collected and compared retrospectively with the other 220,201 women who did not have ovarian cancer. There is a huge amount of data with 2920 items for everyone involved. Statistical adjustment attempted to separate cause from effect.
Results from the survey supported the known association with obesity and the protective effect of hormonal contraception and childbirth. Some blood factors suggest causal effects. The authors conclude avoiding obesity and limiting the number of menstrual cycles should be promoted. To this extent, the risk of ovarian cancer may be reduced by lifestyle modification.
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