Cancer Epidemiology Hypertension, use of antihypertensive medications, & risk of epithelial ovarian cancer

 Abstract

Few studies have examined the associations of hypertension and antihypertensive medications with ovarian cancer. In particular, beta-blockers, one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat hypertension, may reduce ovarian cancer risk by inhibiting beta-adrenergic signaling. We prospectively followed 90,384 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) between 1988–2012 and 113,121 NHSII participants between 1989–2011. Hypertension and use of antihypertensive medications were self-reported biennially....(stats).

We documented 948 ovarian cancer cases during follow-up. Similar results were observed in the two cohorts. While hypertension was not associated with ovarian cancer risk, current use of any antihypertensive medication was associated with slightly increased risk compared to never users (stats). This increased risk was primarily due to use of thiazide diuretics (stats). No associations were observed for beta-blockers or angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were associated with suggestively reduced risk, after adjusting for all antihypertensive medications. Associations were similar among hypertensive women and stronger for longer use of thiazide diuretics and CCBs.

In conclusion, our results provided no evidence that beta-blockers were associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk. In contrast, we observed an increased risk for use of thiazide diuretics that should be confirmed in other studies.