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OC Use Does Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Current and former users of oral contraceptives were found not to be at higher risk for breast cancer.

A previous analysis of more than 50 studies suggested that current users of oral contraceptives (OCs) and those who had used OCs in the previous 10 years had a minimally elevated risk for breast cancer, while women who had used OCs less recently had no increase in risk (Journal Watch Women's Health Aug 1 1996). These researchers obtained new data by interviewing 4575 women (age range, 35 to 64) with breast cancer (diagnosed between 1994 and 1998) and 4682 controls in 5 U.S. cities. The controls -- women without diagnoses of invasive or in situ breast cancer -- were identified through random-digit dialing. Overall, 75% of cases and 79% of controls had ever used OCs.

Compared with women who had never used OCs, ever-users were not at increased risk for breast cancer (odds ratio, 0.9). There was no association between elevated risk and current use, duration of use (up to 15 or more years), age at first use, or time since last use. Neither estrogen dose nor progestin type was associated with elevated risk. In women who had a first-degree relative with breast cancer, OC use was not associated with elevated risk. Controlling for BMI and race did not change these results.

Comment: Oral contraception, the most widely used reversible method of contraception among U.S. women, provides consistent users with convenient, effective, and reversible birth control. Furthermore, OC use is associated with important noncontraceptive health benefits, ranging from lighter, less painful, more regular menses to prevention of endometrial and ovarian cancers. Many women, however, have experienced the nagging thought that, by taking advantage of these benefits, they might end up paying a price -- an increased breast cancer risk. These results provide a high level of reassurance that OC use, regardless of the user's age, OC formulation, duration of use, or family history, does not increase a woman's current or future risk for breast cancer.

— Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Published in Journal Watch Women's Health August 20, 2002

Citation(s):

Marchbanks PA et al. Oral contraceptives and the risk of breast cancer. N Engl J Med 2002 Jun 27; 346:2025-32.

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