About 20% Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Women On Oral Contraceptives

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
“Birth control pills” by lookcatalog is licensed under CC BY 2.0Lina Mørch PhD, MSc

Senior Researcher
Rigshospitalet

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: There was a lack of evidence on contemporary hormonal contraception and risk of breast cancer. In particular the knowledge of risk with newer progestins was sparse.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: The study confirms the increased breast-cancer risk of approximately 20% among women who currently use oral contraceptives.

This was initially reported with the use of older, often higher-dose formulations, but this study show that this also applies to contemporary formulations of oral contraceptives. -and it also applies to products with progestin only

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: The findings suggests careful consideration of alternative methods of contraception such as nonhormonal, reversible contraceptives (e.g.. IUDs) is feasible for the individual. 

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Knowledge is need on the potential beneficial influence of newer contraceptives on the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancer, since evidence currently relates to older types of hormonal contraceptives. 

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer

Lina S. Mørch, Ph.D., Charlotte W. Skovlund, M.Sc., Philip C. Hannaford, M.D., Lisa Iversen, Ph.D., Shona Fielding, Ph.D., and Øjvind Lidegaard, D.M.Sci.

N Engl J Med 2017; 377:2228-2239December 7, 2017DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa17007

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on December 6, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD