REPRODUCTIVE AND HORMONAL FACTORS IN RELATION TO LUNG CANCER AMONG NEPALI WOMEN

Abstract

Over 50% of global lung cancer incidence occurs in less developed regions (LDRs). Despite this, little is known regarding lung cancer risk factors in LDRs such as Nepal. Using data from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital (Nepal, 2009-2012), relationships between reproductive and hormonal factors and lung cancer were examined among women aged 23-85 years. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Among postmenopausal women, those with a younger age at menopause (<45years; 45-49years) had an increased odds of lung cancer compared to those with an older (¡Ý50years) age at menopause (OR=2.14, 95%CI=1.09, 4.17; OR=1.93, 95%CI=1.07, 3.51, respectively), after adjusting for age and cumulative active smoking. This is the first study to characterize these relationships among Nepali women. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of age at menopause in lung cancer within this understudied population.