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Contraceptive Use and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Among Women With a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation

Writer's picture: Women's Cancer Research FoundationWomen's Cancer Research Foundation

Updated: Jan 12, 2024


WOMEN

Women with a BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation (genes that make cells more likely to divide and change rapidly, leading to cancer) have a higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer.


Higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer in this population, but the impact of other types of contraception (e.g., intrauterine devices, implants, injections) is unknown. In a 2022 gynecologic oncology study, researchers evaluated the relationship between type of contraception and risk of ovarian cancer among women with a BRCA mutation. 1733 women were matched according to year of birth, date of study entry, country of residence, BRCA mutation type (BRCA 1 or BRCA 2) and history of breast cancer.


Detailed information on hormonal, reproductive and lifestyle exposures were collected via a questionnaire. Every use of any contraceptive was significantly associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer (P < 0.0001), which was driven by significant inverse (negative) associations with oral contraceptives (P< 0.0001), and contraceptive implants (P = 0.008). No significant associations were observed between patterns of intrauterine device use and a risk of ovarian cancer.


Every use of any contraceptive was significantly associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.

These findings support a protective effect of oral contraceptives and implants on risk of ovarian cancer among women with BRCA mutations. However, the contributory protective effect from injections remains indeterminate.


More Ovarian Cancer Information:



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FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE NANCY YEARY WOMEN'S CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
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Since 1985, the physicians and researchers at the WCRF have been at the forefront of pioneering clinical research, aimed at enhancing cure rates among women diagnosed with breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. WCRF actively engages in designing, conducting, and disseminating groundbreaking research focused on cutting-edge medical treatments.


Furthermore, WCRF serves as a vital hub for both foundational and applied research, as well as education, pertaining to the latest advancements in the treatment of breast and gynecologic cancers. In addition to conducting and publishing original research, the WCRF, provides valuable clinical information to physicians and patients alike.
 

 

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