Dr Mustafa Kamani speaks to ecancer about a study that reviewed the literature on combined oral contraceptives (COC) and cancer, paying attention to studies published in the last 20 years.

The aim of this review was to analyse the available up-to-date literature regarding malignancy risks linked to the use of COCs.

Dr Kamani discusses the results of the review which found that the overall cancer odds do not change with the use of COCs. Increased risk for breast cancer with COC use is not consistently backed in the literature; the results range from no increase in risk to a 20%–30% elevation in risk, and the risk seems to be temporary, limited to recent or current regular COC use.

Data showed that the ongoing and prolonged use of COCs may provide diminished risk for endometrial, colorectal and ovarian cancers.

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