Tubal ligation in relation to menopausal symptoms and breast cancer risk.
BACKGROUND
Local inflammation after tubal ligation may affect ovarian function and breast cancer risk.


METHODS
We analysed tubal ligation, menopausal characteristics, and breast cancer risk in the Sister Study cohort (N=50,884 women).


RESULTS
Tubal ligation was associated with hot flashes (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.12) but not menopausal age (HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96-1.02). Tubal ligation did not have an impact on breast cancer overall (HR 0.95; 95% CI: 0.85-1.06), but had a suggested inverse relation with oestrogen receptor+/progesterone receptor+ invasive tumours (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70-1.01), possibly because of subsequent hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Tubal ligation does not influence overall breast cancer risk.
Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PO Box 12233, 111 TW Alexander Drive, MD A3-05, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. nicholshb@niehs.nih.gov
H B
HB
Nichols
D D
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Baird
L A
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DeRoo
G E
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Kissling
D P
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Sandler
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires