Tubal ligation in relation to menopausal symptoms and breast cancer risk

Abstract

Background:Local inflammation after tubal ligation may affect ovarian function and breast cancer risk.Methods:We analysed tubal ligation, menopausal characteristics, and breast cancer risk in the Sister Study cohort (N=50 884 women).Results:Tubal ligation was associated with hot flashes (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.12) but not menopausal age (HR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96-1.02). Tubal ligation did not have an impact on breast cancer overall (HR 0.95; 95% CI: 0.85-1.06), but had a suggested inverse relation with oestrogen receptor+/progesterone receptor+ invasive tumours (HR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70-1.01), possibly because of subsequent hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy.Conclusion:Tubal ligation does not influence overall breast cancer risk. © 2013 Cancer Research UK. All rights reserved.