Relationship between female hormonal and menstrual factors and pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Feb;94(7):e177. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000177.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between female hormone and menstrual factors and pancreatic cancer (PC) through a meta-analysis of observational studies. We undertook a systematic literature search up to July 10, 2014 in PubMed and EMBASE databases. Combined relative risks (RRs) were estimated by random-effects models. Subgroup analysis was performed by study design, source of control, and geographic regions. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias were utilized to evaluate the robustness of our results. A total of 27 case-control and cohort studies were retrieved for this meta-analysis. No significant associations were observed between the risk of PC and age at menarche (RR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-1.07), age at menopause (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.85-1.13), hysterectomy (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.84-1.11), oophorectomy (RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.82-1.26), hormone replacement therapy (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.87-1.08), and oral contraceptives (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.96-1.23). This meta-analysis of observational studies does not support the hypothesis that exogenous hormone use and menstrual factors are associated with PC.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Body Mass Index
  • Contraceptives, Oral / administration & dosage*
  • Estrogen Replacement Therapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy / statistics & numerical data
  • Menarche*
  • Menopause*
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Ovariectomy / statistics & numerical data
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral