Gracial ProdMonograph_cover - epgonline.org

Safety aspects
OCs decreased as the duration of use increased. The
beneficial effects of OCs on the risk of ovarian and
endometrial cancer are thought to be related to ovulation
inhibition and the reduction of endometrial stimulation,
respectively.
A recent case-control study (Ness 2000) in 767 women aged
20–69 with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and 1,367
community controls indicated that the protection afforded by
oral contraceptives against epithelial ovarian cancer is
independent of the dose of estrogen or
progestogen. The data from this study also indicate that the
reduced risk continues for 30 or more years after
discontinuation of OC use.
Conclusion
In summary, women who are currently using combined OCs, or
who have used them in the past 10 years, are at a slightly
increased risk of having breast cancer diagnosed. However, the
cancer diagnosed tends to be in a clinically less advanced
stage and is less likely to have spread beyond the breast. In
addition, use of the Pill does not increase the overall lifetime
risk for breast cancer. Furthermore, the incidences of ovarian
and endometrial cancer are substantially reduced by OC use.
The longer OCs are used, the lower the associated risk. The
relationship between cervical cancer and OC use has not yet
been substantiated.
41