Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Ovarian Cancer among Two Egyptian Cohorts

Abstract

Context: Ovarian cancer is a global health crisis, as it is one of the devastating diagnoses for the patient and family. A nurse is a key person in the effort of health promotion, screening, and early detection. As well as care through the illness continuum.
Aim: This study aims to determine the risk factors of ovarian cancer among two Egyptian cohorts and determine the possible protective factors of ovarian cancer among two Egyptian cohorts.

Methods: A descriptive exploratory (Case/control) prospective research design was used to achieve the study aim. The study was conducted in two clinical settings: National Cancer Institute (for cases) and El-Minia General Hospital (for controls). The study recruited 80 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of ovarian cancer and 456 healthy controls without ovarian cancer. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the presence of possible risk and protective factors.

Results: The results of the present study revealed a highly statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding their educational level, family history of ovarian cancer, types of other cancers, hysterectomy, and eating a low-fat diet at p<0.001. The study also showed a statistically significant difference regarding age at menopause, the degree of relationship with colorectal cancer relatives, and history of endometriosis at p<0.05.

Conclusion: The study signifies the level of education, hysterectomy, late age at menopause, and eating a low-fat diet as protective- factors against ovarian cancer while signifies the positive family history of ovarian cancer and endometriosis as risk factors associated with ovarian cancer. The study recommended trained health care providers to monitor trends in ovarian cancer occurrence, disparities in care and health assurance assistance, provide screening and early detection activities, care, education for healthy women at risk for ovarian cancer.