J Med Assoc Ga. 1995 Sep;84(7):320-2
The pill and gynecologic cancer: controversy and mystery prevail.
Sargent MA .
Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA. PIP: Physicians must understand the effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) on gynecologic cancers in order to properly address the fears and concerns of their patients. The largest study providing data on this topic was a case-control study of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer in US women 20-54 years old. When interpreting the results of such a study, the strengths and weaknesses of a retrospective case-control study must be considered and avoidance of subject and researcher bias must be addressed in the report. The statistical concept of relative risk quantifies the association between use of OCs and the risk of a cancer. A relative risk of 1.0 shows no difference, a risk of 0.5 shows a diminished risk, and one of 1.5 shows an increased risk. Current data show no increased risk of breast cancer associated with OC use, a beneficial effect on ovarian cancer (producing a 40% reduction in risk), a relative risk of 0.5 of endometrial cancer (another beneficial effect of OC use), and an unknown effect on cervical cancer because of all of the confounding variables (such as increased screening, the number of sexual partners, age at first coitus, and exposure to human papilloma virus).
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is an oral contraceptive?
- 2 How popular are oral contraceptive pills?
- 3 What are the benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 4 Will the combined oral contraceptive pill improve my periods?
- 5 Could the combined oral contraceptive pill change my libido (sex drive)
- 6 What are the risks of taking combined oral contraceptive pills?
- 7 What side effects could I have whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 8 What is the effect of the combined oral contraceptive pill on body weight?
- 9 Will the combined oral contraceptive pill increase my vaginal discharge?
- 10 Does the combined oral contraceptive pill increase the chance of pelvic infections?
- 11 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and fibroids?
- 12 Could a combined oral contraceptive pill increase my blood pressure?
- 13 Do combined oral contraceptive pills have any effect on the blood?
- 14 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and thromboembolism?
- 15 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and heart attacks?
- 16 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and strokes?
- 17 Does the combined oral contraceptive pill affect the breasts?
- 18 Could I feel depressed as a result of taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 19 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the ovary?
- 20 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the uterus?
- 21 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the cervix?
- 22 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the breast?
- 23 Family Planning Support Groups.
- 24 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
