Scientists are researching a link between menstrual periods and ovarian cancer

London scientists have determined a possibility that menstrual periods may be linked to ovarian cancer in women.

Ovarian cancer, referred to as ‘the silent killer’, shows very few symptoms during the beginning stages, significantly reducing the cure and survival rates after detection. The causes of this disease are not yet known, and nearly 125,000 women die each year from ovarian cancer in the world.

Some experts believe the constant damaging to the ovaries during ovulation, followed by healing before the next menstrual cycle, may be a factor in causing ovarian cancer. The cells eventually change due to continuous injury and may become cancerous.

This theory has been tested by using oral contraceptives, effectively reducing the number of periods a woman has, and also decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer.

Researchers are analyzing what damage occurs and the severity to the ovarian tissue as an egg is released, along with the methods the body uses to repair these damages. Analyzing pre-cancerous lesions or tumors may help scientists discover a relation between menstruation, healing, and cancer.

Authors of this study believe testing new theories, such as this one, will help discover causes of certain cancers and potential treatment methods for them as well.