The risk of ovarian cancer is not linked to drinking alcohol. Not even with heavy drinking.

      Overview

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Ovarian Cancer
               2. Risk of Ovarian Cancer
               3. Resources

I. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a very serious disease. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. But if detected early, the five-year survival rate is about 93%.

The most common symptoms of OC are these.

• • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
  • Urgent or frequent urination

Other possible signs.

• • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual problems
  • Back pain
  • Indigestion
  • Fatigue

These can also be symptoms of many other diseases. That’s why it’s important to check with a doctor. Don’t try to diagnose yourself. Early detection of OV is very important for recovery.

II. Risk of Ovarian Cancer

This study examined evidence about the possible effect of drinking on risk of OV.

Researchers included data from 13 studies in the analysis. Information came from 1,996,841 individuals. They were studied over varying lengths of time. It ranged from several years to decades. A total 5,857 cases of OC occurred.

The researchers found that “alcohol consumption had little to no effect on ovarian cancer incidence when compared to non-drinkers.” This included low, moderate and high drinking levels.

This is consistent with other research. Leading cancer groups around the world conclude drinking is not linked with OC. They include these.

• • Nat Cancer Inst (US)
  • Cancer Res (UK)
  • Cent for Dis Cont and Prev
  • Am Soc of Clin Oncol

III. Resources: Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Web Pages

• • Drinking and Women’s Health.
  • Alcohol and Total Health Risk among Women.
  • Alcohol and Health.

Readings

• • Clark-Hansen, L. Please Send Hats. One Baby Boomer’s Rude Awakening to Ovarian Cancer. Waukesha, WI: Orange.
  • Fisanick, C. Ovarian Cancer. Detroit: Green.
  • Martin, U. One Woman Walks Wales. Dinas Powrys, Wales: Honno. (The story of an OV patient’s walk across Wales to publicize the need for early detection of the disease.) 
  • Peterson, S. It Isn’t Ugly Forever: a To-do List for Fighting Cancer. Columbia, SC: Peterson.
  • Price, L. Ovarian Cancer: Risks, Prevention and Treatment. NY: Hayle.

Source

• • Yan Hong, H., et al. Alcohol and the risk of ovarian cancer. BMC Pub Health, 2015, 15, 223.