Menstrual and reproductive factors for salivary gland cancer risk in women

Several observations suggest that salivary gland cancer may be, in part, a hormonally dependent disease. We examined associations between hormonally m ediated life events and salivary gland cancer risk in a population-based ca se-control study. Of 76 women diagnosed between 1989 and 1993, 63 (83%) wer e interviewed. Of 111 population controls, 83 (75%) were interviewed. Early menarche (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.4-12.1) and nulliparity (OR 2.6 95% CI = 1. 0-6.7) were associated with increased risk whereas late age at first full-t erm pregnancy (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.3-1.2) and longer juration of oral con traceptive use (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.10-1.0) were associated with diminish ed risk. These findings are consistent with a hormonal component in salivar y gland cancer risk.