For Some, Statin Use Can Decrease the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

(November 13, 2018) The International Journal of Cancer recently published a study that explored the use of statins, which reduces one’s lipids, and their effect on ovarian cancer risk. After comparing a group of 2,040 women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer to a group of 2,100 women without the disease, it was found that statins reduce one’s risk of ovarian cancer by 32 percent.

The data, from the New England Case Control study, show the benefits over time. The older the women were while taking statins, the bigger the difference in risk between statin and non-statin users. For example, there was no difference seen in women taking statins before age 50 but there was a 37% reduction in risk for women between the ages of 50 and 59 and a 39% reduction for those over 60 years of age. The best outcomes were seen by women who took statins in addition to NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) or aspirin as well as for women who had taken statins for 2 to almost 5 years. The benefits of taking statins were not seen in women who were BRCA1 or BRCA2 positive or women who were premenopausal.