Women's Health April 23, 2026 0 Comments

Radon’s Hidden Danger: Why Post-Menopausal Women Must Fight This Silent Ovarian Cancer Threat Now!

Ovarian cancer is a formidable foe, and despite decades of research, pinning down a single cause has been like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. But guess what? A recent study just tossed a curveball into the mix—a sneaky, invisible gas called radon might be playing a more significant role than we ever imagined, especially for postmenopausal women. Yup, the same radon that’s infamous for lung cancer among non-smokers could be quietly nudging the odds of ovarian cancer upward. So, what’s the deal with this odorless troublemaker, and more importantly, how can you outsmart it to protect yourself and your loved ones? I dug deep with leading experts to bring you the scoop on radon’s shadowy connection to ovarian cancer and easy steps you can take to lower your exposure. Ready to uncover the facts that could change how you think about your home—and your health? Let’s dive in. LEARN MORE

4 min read

A new study links higher residential radon levels with increased rates of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.

Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, is already known as the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Experts say there are things you can do to reduce your exposure to radon, such as installing a radon reduction system or sealing the foundation of your house.

While ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease, scientists haven’t identified a single cause for it. But new research suggests that there’s a surprising factor that should be considered when it comes to ovarian cancer cases—in post-menopausal women, at least.

The latest research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, may be linked to some ovarian cancer cases.

What’s behind the link and, more importantly, how can you lower your exposure? We tapped three cancer experts for more insight.

Meet the experts: Shannon Westin, MD, MPH, professor in Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Abdulrahman Sinno, MD, chief of gynecologic oncology with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System; and Khadijah A. Mitchell, PhD, an assistant professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms when radioactive metals such as uranium or radium break down in rocks, soil, and groundwater, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

People are usually exposed to radon by breathing in air that enters buildings and homes through cracks and gaps, per the EPA. It’s tricky to avoid since radon is naturally present in the earth, meaning there’s always some exposure to it. You can’t see or smell radon, and living in certain parts of the U.S. may pose a higher risk than others.

Radon has previously been identified as a cause of lung cancer. It is considered the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, followed by secondhand smoke.

What did the study find?

Researchers analyzed data from 127,547 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative. The women were followed for up to 31 years. The team linked the participants’ home addresses to US Geological Survey data, which breaks down radon levels by zone. It’s important to note that the radon levels studied were based on geographic zones rather than individualized measurements of each woman’s home.

During the study period, 1,645 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 1,048 died of the disease.

They found that women in areas where radon levels were high—defined as exceeding 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)—had a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer compared to women in low radon zones (defined as less than 2 pCi/L). This link was especially strong for a form of ovarian cancer called serous ovarian cancer. Women living in high radon areas had a 38 percent higher relative risk of being diagnosed with this type of cancer.

The risk of dying from ovarian cancer was also 31 percent higher in women who lived in high radon areas. “This is the first epidemiologic study of radon and ovarian cancer among postmenopausal women to date, and its findings suggest a potential target for mitigating cancer risk,” the researchers wrote in the study’s conclusion.

How might radon cause ovarian cancer?

It’s important to note that the study didn’t find that high radon exposure caused ovarian cancer in these women, but rather, found a link. We don’t know what’s exactly behind the link, but experts have a few theories.

“When [radon] decays, it produces particles that can damage DNA—especially double-strand breaks, one of the most harmful types of damage,” explains Khadijah A. Mitchell, PhD, an assistant professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “Cancer often develops when DNA damage accumulates over time and repair systems fail.”

Some researchers also hypothesize that radon could influence hormonal pathways as an endocrine disruptor. The gas may be absorbed into the blood and increase levels of estrogen in your body, which then may drive ovarian cancer, says Shannon Westin, MD, MPH, professor in Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

How to lower your risk of exposure

You have a few potential options here. If you live in a high-radon area, you can technically move. But that’s not feasible or desirable for most people.

You can also have your home tested for radon levels. “Radon is invisible and odorless, so you won’t know it’s there unless you measure it,” Mitchell points out.

If your levels are high, you can install a radon reduction system, which uses a vent pipe to pull radon out of your home and send it safely outdoors, says Abdulrahman Sinno, MD, chief of gynecologic oncology with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. “You can seal the foundation—that can limit the amount of gas leaking into the house,” he says. “Opening windows and using fans can help, too.”

Ultimately, experts stress the importance of being informed about radon in your area. “We can’t change our genetics, but radon exposure is something you can prevent,” Sinno says.

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.