Approved Research

Association of menstrual and reproductive factors with the risks of cancer

Lay summary

In this project, we will identify the associations of menstrual factors and reproductive history with the risks of cancer and its subtypes. Menstrual factors included age at menarche, age at menopause, length of menstrual cycle, using of hormone-replacement therapy, use of oral contraceptive pill, etc. Reproductive factors included age at first live birth, history of stillbirth, spontaneous miscarriage or termination, number of stillbirths, etc. Sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, are important agents in female cancer development and progression.

Given this premise, female menstrual and reproductive factors, as remarkable indicators of hormone effect, were hypothesized to be associated with cancer risk. However, the existed epidemiological evidence was inconsistent or limited to certain female-specific cancer subtypes. The UK Biobank, a large population-based prospective study, may provide more comprehensive and reliable evidence in terms of the above associations.

In addition, we can use hormone data from UK Biobank to further investigate the role of hormone levels on the association between menstrual and reproductive factors and cancer, particularly endocrine cancers. The project is planning to take 3 years after the data has been downloaded. Understanding the link between menstrual and reproductive factors and cancer risk in women can have implications for public health policies, prevention strategies, and individualized healthcare decisions.