The contraceptive pill (the Pill) is commonly used to prevent pregnancy, but new research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) suggests that it may also help lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Key Findings from the Study
- Women who had ever used the Pill had a 26% lower risk of ovarian cancer.
- Women who had used the Pill after the age of 45 had a 43% lower risk.
- Women who had given birth to two or more children had a 39% lower risk.
- Some blood markers, liver enzymes, and body weight factors were linked to ovarian cancer risk.
Why Is This Important?
Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers in women. It is often diagnosed at a late stage, making it difficult to treat. In Australia, it is the tenth most common cancer in women and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2023, over 1,700 women were diagnosed, and more than 1,000 women lost their lives to the disease.
Early detection is critical—ovarian cancer survival rates drop below 30% if diagnosed late, but they increase to over 90% when caught early.
How Can the Pill Help?
The study suggests that reducing ovulation through contraceptive pill use could be a way to prevent ovarian cancer. Scientists believe that the fewer times a woman ovulates in her lifetime, the lower her risk of developing this cancer.
Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Risk Prediction
This study used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data from 221,732 women in the UK Biobank. Researchers found that certain blood markers measured years before diagnosis could help identify women at risk. This means that in the future, doctors could use simple blood tests to detect ovarian cancer risk early.
What Should Women Do?
- Talk to a doctor about contraceptive options and their health benefits.
- Stay informed about ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors.
- Consider regular health check-ups to catch potential issues early.
Looking Ahead
The lead researcher says more studies are needed to find the best ways to prevent ovarian cancer. However, these findings provide hope that simple strategies—like using the Pill—could help lower the risk of this deadly disease.
If you or someone you know is concerned about ovarian cancer risk, consult a doctor about prevention strategies, contraception, and early detection tests. Awareness can save lives—stay proactive about your health!
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