[Does hormonal contraception increase the risk for tumors?].
A non-contraceptive benefit of oral hormonal contraceptives (OC) is a diminished risk for certain benign as well as malignant tumours, such as benign breast tumours, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Endometriosis itself is not positively influenced by OC, but dysmenorrhea is decreased. Modern low-dose OC do not increase the risk of liver cell adenomata or carcinomata. OC do not influence melanoma. Modern data do not suggest an increased risk for breast carcinoma in OC users. Long-term use of OC leads to a decreased risk of endometrial and colorectal carcinomata. Cervical carcinoma is not influenced directly by OC, but probably indirectly through a change in sexual behaviour. There is no increase of vulvar or vaginal carcinoma, even after long-term use of OC.
Braendle
Wilhelm
W
Poliklinik für gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf. wilhelm.braendle@googlemail.de
Kuhl
Herbert
H
Mueck
Alfred
A
Birkhäuser
Martin
M
Thaler
Christian
C
Kiesel
Ludwig
L
Neulen
Joseph
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal