title: Hormonal contraception and cancer.
abstract: The natural menstrual cycle can influence the development of some cancers. Combined oral contraceptives, which replace normal hormonal fluctuations with steadier levels of artificial sex hormones, appear to protect against cancers of the endometrium and ovary, but their effect on carcinomas of the breast and cervix remains uncertain.
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000139:chemically induced; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D008545:Melanoma / Q000139:chemically induced; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D012306:Risk; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined