Living in a high-radon zone raises ovarian cancer risk by 31%—the first study of its kind.

Living in a high-radon zone raises ovarian cancer risk by 31%—the first study of its kind.

Few environmental risk factors for ovarian cancer are known. This prospective study of 127,547 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative followed participants for up to 31 years, linking residential radon zone data to ovarian cancer incidence and mortality.

Women in high-radon zones (>4 pCi/L) had a 31% higher risk of ovarian cancer (HR 1.31) and 31% higher ovarian cancer mortality compared to low-radon zone residents. Results held for serous ovarian cancer (the most common histotype) and across multiple sensitivity analyses using different radon measurement methods.

This is the first epidemiological study linking residential radon to ovarian cancer, identifying a ubiquitous and modifiable environmental risk factor.

Key Findings

• High residential radon zone associated with HR 1.31 for all ovarian cancer (95% CI 1.11-1.54)
• High radon zone HR 1.38 for serous ovarian cancer
• High radon zone HR 1.31 for ovarian cancer mortality
• 127,547 women followed up to 31 years
• First epidemiological study of radon and ovarian cancer—novel finding

Implications

Residential radon testing and mitigation could reduce ovarian cancer incidence. This is a modifiable exposure with existing remediation technology. Women in high-radon areas should discuss the finding with their healthcare providers. Radon reduction programs should include ovarian cancer as a potential benefit.

Caveats

Prospective cohort study; abstract-only. Ecological radon zone exposure classification may misclassify individuals. Residential moves over 31-year follow-up not fully accounted for. Association does not prove causation; confounders may not be fully controlled.

Source: JAMA network open — 2026-04-01