The role of oral contraception use in the occurrence of breast cancer. A retrospective study of 405 patients

Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2011;38(3):225-7.

Abstract

The investigation of potential predisposing factors of breast cancer, a disease accounting for almost one-third of malignancies in women, is necessary in order to reduce the incidence.

Materials and method: We interviewed 405 female patients who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and who also reported having used oral contraceptive pills before. They were categorized into two groups (group A < 7 years OC use and group B > 7 years OC use).

Results: Statistical analysis revealed a small (p < 0.02) but significant increased risk of the disease to BRCA mutation carriers, as well as to the women with a significant medical or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer who had also previously used oral contraceptive pills for more than seven years.

Discussion: Breast cancer seems to be positively dependent on prolonged oral contraceptive use.

Conclusion: More research is needed to establish the hypothesis that the human genome is vulnerable to oral contraceptives.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1
  • Genes, BRCA2
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral