Ovarian cancer is a common cancer of the internal (female) reproductive system. It is the
Several studies have examined the role of pain medications on ovarian cancer risk, with mixed results. A trend throughout many studies indicates that low dose aspirin may reduce risk.
In this article, we’ll go over the research on aspirin and ovarian cancer. We’ll also discuss who should and shouldn’t take aspirin, and the risk factors for this disease.
Research onanalgesic(pain medication) use andovarian cancerrisk goes back several decades and spans multiple countries. We reviewed several large, recent studies and found trends as well as mixed results.
Some studies focused specifically on epithelial ovarian cancer. Epithelial ovarian cancer originates in cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary. Most ovarian cancer tumors originate in this part of the ovary. These types of tumors are referred to as epithelial cell tumors.
Of the studies we reviewed, these are the largest and most comprehensive. Some studies use gender-specific language. We have retained the original phrasing so as not to inadvertently skew results.
- Regular dose aspirin reduced risk to a lesser extent.
- High dose nonaspirin NSAIDs (over 500 mg) reduced risk to a lesser extent.
- Acetaminophen use had no effect.
A nationwide, case-controlledstudyfrom Denmark found that using low dose aspirin reduced epithelial ovarian cancer risk. For this study, the researchers defined low dose aspirin as 75 to 150 mg. Unlike the Harvard study, researchers found that continuous long-term use further decreased risk.
Before you start using aspirin, either low dose or regular dose, talk with your doctor. Aspirin is not the right choice for everyone.
Doctors don’t recommend aspirin for people with these conditions:
- bleeding disorders
- history ofgastritis
- gastrointestinal ulcers
- severekidney diseaseorkidney failure
- severeliver disease
Risks of using aspirin include:
- irritation to the stomach lining
- gastrointestinal upset
- ulcers
- bleeding
- easy bruising
Doctors often prescribe low dose aspirin to reduce the risk ofheart attackandstroke. Aspirin’s role in cancer prevention is not conclusive, but it is compelling.
Some
But there’s also
Talk with your doctor before you begin any sort of aspirin regimen for cancer prevention.
Most of the risk factors for ovarian cancer are beyond your control.
- being age 45 or older
- family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- personal history of breast cancer
- testing positive forBRCA1orBRCA2
- having Lynch syndrome
- havingendometriosis
- menstruating early or entering menopause late
Ovarian cancer is a common cancer of the internal (female) reproductive system. Several studies have analyzed the effects of taking low dose aspirin on ovarian cancer risk.
Some studies found that low dose aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Studies found high dose aspirin to reduce risk slightly.
Aspirin is not the right choice for everyone. Before you begin taking aspirin as a cancer preventive, talk with a healthcare professional.