Study Links Nitrate in Drinking Water to Ovarian Cancer Risk

A recent study has identified a concerning link between nitrate contamination in drinking water and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Published in May by Dr. Rena Jones, a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute, the research analyzed data from over 30,000 women in Iowa and North Carolina since 1993. Among these participants, 166 cases of ovarian cancer were identified, with findings showing a higher risk of the disease corresponding to increased levels of nitrate in drinking water.
Additional research conducted in California has corroborated these results, further supporting the connection between long-term nitrate exposure and ovarian cancer. Dr. Jones emphasized the study’s broader implications, stating, “The motivation is to better understand if long-term consumption of nitrates, through drinking water or diet, is associated with increased risk of various cancers. We have observed positive relationships for several types of cancers.”
The findings underscore the importance of understanding environmental factors in cancer prevention, particularly for ovarian cancer, which has historically struggled with poor survival rates. Researchers stress that identifying and mitigating these risks could play a critical role in improving public health outcomes.

Published: 6/25/2025