Risk–benefit assessment of the combined oral contraceptive pill in women with a family history of female cancer. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davidson, Brittany Anne; Moorman, Patricia G
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on drug safety. Volume 13:Number 10(2014)
• Page Start: 1375
• Page End: 1382
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Drugs -- Side effects -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Toxicology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.704
• DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2014.951327
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-0338

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold> <italic>Introduction:</italic> </bold> Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are the most frequently used form of effective, reversible contraception among women of childbearing potential. In the average risk population, OCPs may offer a protective benefit against ovarian, endometrial and colorectal malignancies. In women at high risk for breast, ovarian, endometrial or colorectal malignancies, the risk–benefit profile is less well studied.</p> <p> <bold> <italic>Areas covered:</italic> </bold> In this article, we review pertinent literature on the use of OCPs in patients with genetic susceptibilities due to mutations in <italic>BRCA1, BRCA2</italic> or mismatch repair genes implicated in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer as well as those with a strong family history of malignancies associated with these syndromes.</p> <p> <bold> <italic>Expert opinion:</italic> </bold> For women at high risk for ovarian, endometrial and/or colorectal malignancies due to genetic susceptibilities or a strong family history, the possibility of chemoprevention with OCPs may be an attractive option; however, the potential increase in breast cancer, although small, must be considered in clinical decision-making. The ultimate decision to use OCPs in a high-risk woman should be based on a consideration of her specific genetic risk, her age, her reproductive plans and her willingness to consider surgical prophylaxis options.</p> </abstract>