Home environment may be cause of ovarian cancer

Residential Radon Levels and Ovarian Cancer Among Postmenopausal Women

https://tinyurl.com/ycxwyvy3

It has long been known that radiation exposure can result in ovarian cancer. Women exposed to the atomic bomb explosions in Japan during World War 2 had an increased incidence of the cancer.

This study looks at exposure to radon gas from naturally occurring sources and correlates the degree of exposure to the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Radon gas arises from radioactive decay of isotopic material found in rocks most often uranium and thorium. High levels occur in different locations due to the geology, the highest being associated with granite or bluestone. The radiation emitted is of low intensity as alpha radiation which becomes harmful when inhaled.

Using data from the US geological survey areas of high, intermediate, and low levels of radon gas exposure were plotted. A prospective study using information from the women’s Health Initiative measured the risk of ovarian cancer and found that women who lived in high radon gas locations have about a one third greater risk.

Knowing this it may be possible to monitor women who live in these locations to ensure early diagnosis, and possibly reduce the risk by using safer house construction materials to avoid domestic exposure.