Frequent and vigorous physical activity appears to increase the risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women, according to results of a 15-year follow-up study. High body mass index (BMI) in early adulthood may do the same, but current height and weight are not major risk factors for the development of the disease.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota, USA, enrolled over 40,000 women between the ages of 55 and 69 years old in 1985. Seven years into the study, the researchers noted a positive link between ovarian cancer rate and physical activity and waist-to-hip ratio but not BMI (the ratio between height and weight.) In an attempt to verify these data, they repeated their analyses after 15 years of follow up. According to the team, 223 cases of ovarian cancer were identified in participating women. The previously reported link between regular leisure-time physical activity, especially frequent vigorous activity, and ovarian cancer holds after 15 years of follow up. Women with the highest levels of activity had a 42-percent increased risk of ovarian cancer compared with those with the lowest levels. Participation in vigorous activity more than four times per week doubled the risk.
Overall, there was no association between ovarian cancer and current height, although height appeared to be associated with a modest increased risk of serious ovarian tumours. While current weight was not associated with ovarian cancer, women who were obese at age 18 had an 83-percent increased risk compared with women who were not overweight at this age. This association was even stronger when they excluded the first two years of follow up. Waist-to-hip was also associated with ovarian cancer, with a 59-percent increased risk among women with the highest activity levels compared with those with the lowest levels.
Cancer,
April 2004
April 2004