Aspirin and ovarian cancer : an Italian case-control study

Background: A role for inflammation, and consequently of non-steroideal anti-inflammatory drugs, in ovarian carcinogenesis has been proposed, but epidemiological evidence is scanty. Patients and methods: Data were derived from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Italy between 1992 and 1999. Cases were 749 women, aged 18–80 years (median age 56 years), with incident, histologically confirmed ovarian cancer. Controls were 898 non-hysterectomized women, aged 17–80 years (median age 58 years), admitted to hospital for acute conditions, unrelated to risk factors for ovarian cancer. Results: The multivariate odds ratio (OR) was 0.93 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.53–1.62) for regular aspirin use for more than six months, 1.38 (95% CI: 0.57–3.36) for current use and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.35–1.47) for former use. The OR was not significantly different from unity for duration of use, age at starting use, indication (analgesia or cardiovascular prevention), and in women aged <60 and ≽60 years at ovarian cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: This study provides little support for the hypothesis that aspirin may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.