Does hormonal contraception increase the risk for tumors?
Braendle, W.; Kuhl, H.; Mueck, A.; Birkhäuser, M.; Thaler, C.; Kiesel, L.; Neulen, J.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique 66(2): 129-135
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5930 PMID: 19180433 DOI: 10.1024/0040-5930.66.2.129Document Number: 207112
A non-contraceptive benefit of oral hormonal contraceptives (OC) is a diminished risk for certain benign as well as malignant tumours, such as benign breast tumours, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Endometriosis itself is not positively influenced by OC, but dysmenorrhea is decreased. Modern low-dose OC do not increase the risk of liver cell adenomata or carcinomata. OC do not influence melanoma. Modern data do not suggest an increased risk for breast carcinoma in OC users. Long-term use of OC leads to a decreased risk of endometrial and colorectal carcinomata. Cervical carcinoma is not influenced directly by OC, but probably indirectly through a change in sexual behaviour. There is no increase of vulvar or vaginal carcinoma, even after long-term use of OC.