title: Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and cancer: memorandum from a WHO meeting.
abstract: Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a long-acting progestational contraceptive, which is administered by injection. It was developed in the mid-1960s, when it was seen as a method that would be particularly useful for women seeking reversible contraception who had difficulty taking a pill every day. DMPA has been shown to be a highly effective contraceptive, and it has proved acceptable in a variety of settings. The drug is licensed as a contraceptive in more than 90 countries and has been widely used in a number of them, such as Thailand and New Zealand. On a worldwide basis, the licensing, acceptability, and prevalence of use have been influenced by concern that DMPA may increase the risk of cancer. Cancer of the breast has been a particular concern. This Memorandum reviews comprehensively the results of toxicological tests in animals and epidemiological studies in humans concerning the carcinogenicity of DMPA.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017277:Drug Approval; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate