An invisible radioactive gas could adversely affect patients with ovarian cancer, a new study indicates.
Women living in residences with increased radon levels have higher chances of developing ovarian cancer, the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences researcher reported on April 10, 2026. As per them, the risk of ovarian cancer, specifically severe ovarian cancer, was noticeably higher in the high radon zone. The odds were higher if a female had a family history of breast cancer.
About 25% of Americans live in homes with radon levels above 4.0 pCi/L, the level at which the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) experts recommend action to reduce exposure. Due to the serious nature of ovarian cancer, which is highly critical, and because radon levels in residences can be mitigated, the findings could have great implications for ovarian cancer prevention, the team mentioned.
Take Control of Your Health Today
Quickly check your symptoms and understand your prescriptions with our smart, easy-to-use AI tools.
Radon gas is naturally released from soil, rock, and water. It can become trapped inside buildings and other structures, contaminating indoor air. Radon gas is considered the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, as per the EPA. The study is the initial report that environmental radon exposure, which is a common natural hazard, can lead to an elevated risk of ovarian cancer in most women. It is something that has been detected as a lung cancer risk for decades. But this is done for the first time on a large scale, where experts have been able to demonstrate that radon exposure leads to ovarian cancer.
Researchers suspected that the radon gas might be linked to ovarian cancer; ionising radiation has been shown to elevate ovarian cancer risk among World War II atomic bomb survivors. The primary source of radiation for most people is radon, a naturally occurring gas produced by the decay of uranium and other radioactive elements in soil. For the new study, researchers tracked around 128,000 women participating in a large-scale health research project.
The experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) used women’s residential addresses to estimate their radon exposure using National Geological Survey data. Exposure to radon was categorized into low, medium, and high zones.
Results showed that women exposed to high radon concentrations had a 31% higher risk of ovarian cancer, compared to those exposed in the low exposure zones. The most significant thing is to cover every household, because it is a simple and easy test that can be done. If radon levels are elevated, they can be reduced.
For more interesting news and updates on women’s health, as well as the latest treatment options, follow Medipedia. We help you stay up to date on the latest news and developments in health, medication, and treatment practices.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.