Pelvic inflammatory disease caused by chlamydia appears to significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer, according to research to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
The finding, replicated in two large databases, suggests that promptly treating the infection might reduce the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer, Britton Trabert, PhD, said during a press briefing held in advance of the meeting.
Dr. Britton Trabert
The study portends both promise and challenge, according to Elaine R. Mardis, PhD, who comoderated the session.