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This Article Accepted manuscript (PDF) All Versions of this Article: ERC-08-0075v1 15/4/1061    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Olsen, C. Articles by Webb, P. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Olsen, C. Articles by Webb, P.

C Olsen, Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, 4029, Australia
A Green, Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
C Nagle, Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
S Jordan, Queensland Institute of Mecial Research, Brisbane, Australia
D Whiteman, Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
C Bain, Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
P Webb, Cancer and Population Studies Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia

Correspondence: Catherine Olsen, Email: Catherine.Olsen{at}qimr.edu.au

Abstract

Abstract

In 1998, Risch proposed a hypothesis for the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer relating to the role of androgens in stimulating epithelial cell proliferation. Although this hypothesis has been widely discussed, direct evidence to support it is scant. To address this issue, we have conducted a detailed analysis of factors possibly associated with high circulating levels of androgens, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hirsutism and acne (all clinically associated with hyperandrogenism) using data collected in an Australia-wide, population-based case-control study. Cases aged 18-79 with a new diagnosis of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (n=1276) or borderline-malignant tumour (n=315) were identified through a network of clinics and cancer registries throughout Australia. Controls (n=1508) were selected from the National Electoral Roll. Women self-reported a history of PCOS, acne, hirsutism and also use of testosterone supplements or the androgenic medication Danazol. We found no evidence that a history of PCOS, acne or hirsutism was associated with ovarian cancer overall, or with specific subtypes, with the exception of serous borderline tumours which were positively associated with a history of PCOS (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.0-6.1). Women who had ever used testosterone supplements had an increased risk of ovarian cancer (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.1-12.0), however use of the androgenic medication Danazol did not increase risk (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.4-2.9). Overall, our results do not support the hypothesis that androgen-related disorders increase the risk of ovarian cancer.