title: Use of fertility drugs and risk of ovarian cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The potential association between fertility drugs and risk of ovarian cancer has been analysed using data from a case-control study conducted between January 1992 and September 1999 in four Italian areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cases were 1031 women (median age 56, range 18-79 years) with incident, histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer. Controls were 2411 women (median age 57, range 17-79 years) residing in the same geographical areas and admitted to the same network of hospitals for cases for a wide spectrum of acute, non neoplastic, non hormone-related conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 15 cases and 26 controls reported use of fertility drugs. The corresponding odds ratio (OR) was 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.7-2.5). The OR was 1.2 for women reporting last use <25 years before interview and 1.3 for >25 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering calendar year at use, the OR was non-significantly above unity for women reporting fertility drug use after 1970. The OR was 0.6 among nulliparous women and 1.9 among parous ones.
authors: Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea, 62-20157 Milan, Italy. parazzini@iftmn.mnegri.it
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Parazzini
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Pelucchi
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Negri
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Franceschi
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Talamini
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Montella
authors: C
authors: C
authors: La Vecchia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005299:Fertility Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D010298:Parity; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D005299:Fertility Agents