Skip to content
Ovarian cancer ranks eighth among oncological diseases in women and is the eighth leading cause of cancer-related death. Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have studied the impact of the contraceptive pill on the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Ovarian Cancer is Often Detected Too Late
Each year, over 320,000 women are diagnosed, and more than 207,000 die from the disease. The main issue is timely detection due to symptoms that can be confused with those of other disorders. As a result, over 70% of ovarian cancer cases are detected at later stages, when treatment is much more challenging.
In 2023, 1,786 women in Australia were diagnosed with ovarian cancer; the same year, 1,050 women died from the disease.
Late detection contributes to a survival rate of less than 30% over five years, in comparison to more than 90% for ovarian cancers that are caught early. That’s why it’s so important to identify risk factors.
Dr. Amanda Lumsden, study co-author and Research Fellow, UniSA
Preventive Effect of Contraceptive Pill
Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze data from over 220,000 women aged 37-73 from the UK Biobank. The data covered nearly 3,000 different health-related characteristics, including medication use, diet, lifestyle, physical parameters, metabolic, and hormonal factors.
The results showed that women who had ever used oral contraceptives had a 26% lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. If the last use was after the age of 45, the risk decreased by 43%.
This technology helped identify previously unknown risk factors. Certain biomarkers, measured years before diagnosis, could predict the risk of ovarian cancer. This suggests the potential for early detection tests that could significantly improve survival rates.
It was particularly interesting that some blood measures—which were measured on average 12.6 years before diagnoses—were predictive of ovarian cancer risk, because it suggests we may be able to develop tests to identify women at risk at a very early stage.
Dr. Iqbal Madakkatel, machine learning specialist, UniSA
More Than Just the Impact of Contraceptive Pill
The researchers also found that giving birth to two or more children reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 39%. The authors conclude that certain risk factors for ovarian cancer can be altered. In particular, weight loss and interventions aimed at reducing the number of ovulations could offer potential for prevention.
At the same time, scientists emphasize the need for further research to determine the most effective approaches.
Both researchers and medical professionals agree on one thing: early diagnosis is the key to successful recovery. This is why regular screenings are so important. At the “Lior” Medical Center, you can always receive a full range of services related to women’s health. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call +380 73 200 6198 or contact us via Telegram at this number.
