Ovarian cancer risk 'increases with height'

Thursday, 5 April 2012 2:37 PM

Tall women are at greater risk of ovarian cancer, according to new research, and being heavier also ups the chances of developing the disease in many women - but surprisingly body weight appeared to have no impact on women undergoing hormone replacement.

An increased likelihood of ovarian cancer was seen for every extra five centimetres in height. This remained true irrespective of a host of other risk factors including age, menopausal status, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, and the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The increases in women’s height and BMI over the last decade would have resulted in a 3% decade increase in ovarian cancer incidence.

The research was conducted by the Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovarian Cancer, an international team of more than 100 experts based at Oxford University. Writing in the online journal Public Library of Science Medicine, the Scientists concluded that “the use of hormone therapy for the menopause attenuated the relationship with body mass index, since an increase in ovarian cancer risk with increasing adiposity was found only in never-users of such therapy."
 

Contraceptive pill cuts ovarian cancer risk

Pill and pregnancy 'reduce ovarian cancer risk'

While every girl should know the symptoms of ovarian cancer, it will be reassuring for some to know that their risk of the disease is reduced if they take the contraceptive pill - and/or if they have carried a pregnancy to full-term.

 Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer payouts for misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis and delays in treatment for ovarian cancer are leading to big compensation payouts. In 84% of 2010/2011 cases analysed by The Medical Defence Union (MDU), patients were mistakenly thought to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Scientists use magnets to tackle cancer cells

New ovarian cancer treatment increases life expectancy

New research could provide the foundation for a new ovarian cancer treatment - one that would use a filter to remove a large portion of the free-floating cancer cells that often create secondary tumors.

 Improved tests for ovarian cancer tumours

Genetic tests 'could improve ovarian cancer treatments'

A new test is being developed to help doctors pinpoint specific tumours to improve ovarian cancer treatments. The team from University of Edinburgh believe 'targeted' testing could be key to improved survival rates for ovarian cancer in the UK.
New treatments developed for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer preventative surgery can protect fertility

Women at high risk of ovarian cancer are often reluctant to have preventative surgery if they have not yet had children. But scientists in the United States say there is a layer of cells that can be removed without harming the reproductive system.

 Tummy pain could be a sign of cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms 'need to be recognised'

Many women do not realise persistent tummy pain and bloating can be symptoms of something much more ominous than a simple stomach upset. Launching the 2011 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Action wants greater awareness of the symptoms.
Tummy pain or bloating shouldn't be ignored

Ovarian cancer: know the symptoms

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers but many women do not know what the symptoms are. London hospitals are now running drop-in 'health awareness' events to educate Brits on what to look out for, and what treatment options are available.

 Ovarian cancer blood test recommended by NICE

Ovarian cancer blood test 'could help earlier diagnosis'

NICE are recommending a protein-detecting blood test to help earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It is the fifth most common cancer in women with around 6,800 women diagnosed with the disease every year in the UK and a 35% five-year survival rate.

Smartphone addiction 'can make you stressed'

Turn off the work phone when you get home

Too much time spent working on smartphones and other mobile devices can cause a raft of health problems - people tend to maintain an awkward posture that might lead to pain in the back and neck, as well as stress-related illness.

The ultimate 15minute at-home workout

Follow these 7 steps and you'll have the perfect at-home workout. Image: Thinkstock

Burn calories and tone up fast with this intense 15 minute workout you can do in your sitting room!