Risk factors for ovarian cancer: lesbian and heterosexual women.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the distribution of risk factors for developing ovarian cancer in lesbian and heterosexual women.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of a retrospective medical record review.


METHODS
Urban health clinic with special outreach to lesbians.


METHODS
Typical participant (N = 1,019) was 42.9 years old and white (70%). Most were without health insurance, and 99% were poor (< $15,780 annual income). The majority (58%, n = 586) described themselves as heterosexual; 42% (n = 433) said they were lesbian.


METHODS
Data were collected from medical records and analyzed using analysis of covariance and logistic regression techniques.


METHODS
Ovarian cancer risk factors (parity, exogenous hormone use, smoking, body mass index [BMI], and tubal ligation/hysterectomy).


RESULTS
Lesbians had a higher BMI; heterosexual women had higher rates of current smoking and a higher incidence of the protective factors of pregnancy, children, miscarriages, abortions, and use of birth control pills.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that lesbians may have an increased risk for developing ovarian cancer. A study designed specifically to explore the risk factors of lesbian and heterosexual women for developing ovarian cancer must be undertaken to confirm these findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in risk levels may exist for lesbians; therefore, healthcare providers must become comfortable asking questions about sexual orientation and behavior.
Dibble
Suzanne L
SL
Institute for Health and Aging in the School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. sdibble@itsa.ucsf.edu
Roberts
Stephanie A
SA
Robertson
Patricia A
PA
Paul
Steven M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing; D010298:Parity; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012495:San Francisco / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000009:adverse effects
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal