Vaginal douching 'linked to increased ovarian cancer risk'

Conclusion This cohort study investigated the association between ovarian cancer and both douching and talc use. Using participants in the Sister Study, the researchers found a significant link between douching and ovarian cancer – almost twice the risk of no use. No significant link was seen for talc use. The results need to be viewed with caution, however, as they are based on small numbers: just 40 women with ovarian cancer who had douched or used talc. The study has other important limitations, but the main concern is it is not able to prove direct cause and effect. It may be that women with irritation or poor vaginal health would be more likely to use douching methods. And although the researchers attempted to control for various confounders that may be influencing the link, it is possible these have not been fully accounted for and other health and lifestyle factors were missed. Crucially, the researchers did not adjust their results to take into account the fact women who developed ovarian cancer were more likely to have a first-degree family history of ovarian cancer and more than one first-degree relative with breast cancer. Nor did they account for smoking, another risk factor for ovarian cancer. The International Agency for Research of Cancer has classified genital talc as a possible carcinogen. So far there have been mixed results from other studies assessing the link, and further research in the form of good-quality prospective studies would be required to...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Source Type: news