Polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of gynaecological cancer: a systematic review

Abstract

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine whether there is an association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gynaecological malignancy. Medline and Embase databases (1968-2008) were searched to identify publications on the association between PCOS and gynaecological cancers including breast cancer. Studies were selected that examined the association between PCOS and all types of gynaecological malignancies. A total of 19 studies exploring the association between PCOS and breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer were identified. Of these, only eight could be included after review. The data showed variability in the definition of PCOS. A meta-analysis of the data suggests that women with PCOS are more likely to develop cancer of the endometrium (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.00-7.29) and ovarian cancer (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.08-5.89) but not breast cancer (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.44-1.77). Women with PCOS appear to be three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer but are not at increased risk of breast cancer. There is insufficient evidence to implicate PCOS in the development of vaginal, vulval, cervical or ovarian cancers. The paucity of studies investigating the association between PCOS and gynaecological cancers is likely to affect the reliability of the conclusions.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: a common reproductive syndrome with long-term metabolic consequences

“…Due to anovulatory dysfunction and consequent long-term unopposed oestrogen stimulation, PCOS patients are at increased risk of endometrial cancer. 61,62 Nonetheless, there is currently no consensus to support routine biopsy or ultrasound of the endometrium for endometrial hyperplasia or cancer screening in asymptomatic women due its poor diagnostic accuracy. 8 Signs of more severe androgen excesssuch as deepening of the voice, breast atrophy, and clitoromegaly-occur rarely and suggest the possibility of ovarian hyperthecosis or an androgensecreting tumour.…”

Inhibitory effects of controlled ovarian stimulation on the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 in oocytes from women with PCOS

“…As one of the most common endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to one-fifth of reproductive women and accounts for 90 %-95 % of patients with anovulatory infertility [1][2][3]. Although a variety of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols are used for ovulation induction in women with PCOS, the pregnancy outcomes of PCOS patients are still unsatisfactory.…”

Knowledge of medical school students on breast cancer and cervical cancer, and their prevention

“…In questions concerning risk factors of cervical cancer, numerous sexual partners were chosen by 58%, smoking cigarettes by 20%, and past viral infections by 66%. In our study, in analogous questions on breast cancer, the same answers were chosen by 58%, 53%, and 65%, respectively [10]. In questions referring to cervical cancer, the same risk factors were pointed out by 77.2%, 65.4%, and 72%, respectively.…”