Demographic, Lifestyle And Reproductive Factors Associated With Ovarian Cancer Among Married Women In Pakistan

Abstract

Background and objectives Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynecological cancer and the eighth most common cancer in women, globally. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and reproductive factors are most often associated with ovarian cancer. However, epidemiological investigations have shown that the magnitude of these risk factors may differ by geographical locations. The objective of this study is to investigate the association of these factors with ovarian cancer among married women in Pakistan. Method A case-control study was conducted in two major cancer centers in Pakistan from 2019 to 2021. The controls were recruited within the same hospital, matched for age. Results In this study, there were 214 cases and 205 controls. The odds of ovarian cancer was higher among those in low socio-economic group (OR= 26.98 (95%CI=9.74,74.75)). Use of talcum powder (OR=14.05 (95%CI=3.53, 55.97)), habit of holding urine (OR=21.74(95%CI=8.00,58.82)) and frequency of bathing (OR=0.43(95%CI =0.24,0.80)) were significantly associated with ovarian cancer. Nulliparity (OR=9.32(95%CI=2.32,37.39)  and chronic disease (OR=14.02(95% CI=3.10, 63.39)) were also significant risk factors for ovarian cancer. Conclusion Women in Pakistan, especially those in the low socio-economic level, need to be education on ovarian cancer and the related risk factors.