In a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the researchers examined whether oral contraceptives reduced ovarian cancer risk in BRCA 1 or 2 mutation carriers. To examine whether oral contraceptives reduced cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers, the researchers assessed data from 3,989 BRCA1 and 2,445 BRCA2 mutation carriers. They found that patients who were BRCA mutation carriers who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer had used oral contraceptives less often than carriers without a diagnosis (58.6% vs. 88.9% for BRCA1 and 53.5% vs. 80.7% for BRCA1).
Analyses showed that a longer duration of contraceptive use and more recent use were associated with a greater reduction in ovarian cancer risk.
Additionally, analyses showed that a longer duration of contraceptive use and more recent use were associated with a greater reduction in ovarian cancer risk. Age at first use and time since last use were also prominent protective factors. Finally, the study researchers opined that although oral contraceptive use might prevent the development of ovarian cancer, its use in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers should be considered within the context of increased breast cancer risk, a concern that requires further investigation
About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of Southern California’s and the nation’s most active research organizations for female cancers. We are dedicated to serving the interests of patients, families, and friends affected by women’s cancers. WCRF partners with physician-scientists nationally to make differences in women’s lives by offering hope, strength, and progress.
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