Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada | 2021
Ever-use of the intra-uterine device and the risk of ovarian cancer
Abstract
Objectives In this study, we sought to determine whether the use of an IUD is associated with a reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane database search, as well as PubMed ( www.pubmed.gov ) and RCT registry ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ) until the end of June 2019 to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing ever-use vs. never-use of an IUD and the risk of subsequent ovarian cancer. Results We obtained 431 records, of which 9 met inclusion criteria. A total of 5 case-control studies and four cohort studies were retrieved to establish the risk of ovarian cancer amongst ever-users of an IUD. Relative to the never-use of the IUD, ever-use conferred a lower risk of ovarian cancer with an estimated OR of 0.67 95% CI [0.60 - 0.74], p Conclusions Ever-use of an intrauterine contraceptive device reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by an average of 30%. Whether differences exist for duration of use, use of type-specific device, and specific tumour type needs to be addressed in future studies.