Ovarian Cancer Risk Linked to Cataract

HONOLULUWhile increased vitamin D production from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation has been shown to protect against several cancers, including ovarian carcinoma, long-term exposure is also a risk factor for cataract. Researchers from University of Hawaii investigated the association of ovarian carcinoma risk with self-reported history of cataract as an indicator of high long-term UV exposure. Their findings were published online ahead of print in the November issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

They conducted a population-based case-control study of 709 women with primary invasive ovarian carcinoma and 1,101 control group subjects. In the control group, older age, history of type 2 diabetes, and skin cancer were significant cataract risk predictors. A history of cataract, reported by 14 percent of cases and 17 percent of controls, was significantly associated with a reduced ovarian carcinoma risk. No heterogeneity was observed by tumor histology, stage, grade, study site, body mass index, or other ovarian cancer risk factors. The researchers concluded the study results provided add indirect evidence lifetime vitamin D exposure may be inversely associated with risk of ovarian carcinoma, and suggests some potential new avenues for research.