Aspirin and ovarian cancer: an Italian case-control study.
BACKGROUND
A role for inflammation, and consequently of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in ovarian carcinogenesis has been proposed, but epidemiological evidence is scanty.


METHODS
Data were derived from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Italy between 1992 and 1999. Cases were 749 women, aged 18-80 years (median age 56 years), with incident, histologically confirmed ovarian cancer. Controls were 898 non-hysterectomized women, aged 17-80 years (median age 58 years), admitted to hospital for acute conditions, unrelated to risk factors for ovarian cancer.


RESULTS
The multivariate odds ratio (OR) was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.53-1.62) for regular aspirin use for more than six months, 1.38 (95% CI: 0.57-3.36) for current use and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.35-1.47) for former use. The OR was not significantly different from unity for duration of use, age at starting use, indication (analgesia or cardiovascular prevention), and in women aged < 60 and > or = 60 years at ovarian cancer diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides little support for the hypothesis that aspirin may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Tavani
A
A
Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, Italy. tavani@irfmn.mnegri.it
Gallus
S
S
La Vecchia
C
C
Conti
E
E
Montella
M
M
Franceschi
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017891:Pharmacoepidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin