Contraception for cancer survivors.
Women who have survived cancer may need guidance in choosing a method of contraception. This paper reviews the evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of available methods of contraception for cancer survivors and concludes that the Copper T380A intrauterine device (IUD), a highly effective, reversible, long-acting, hormone-free method should be considered a first-line contraceptive option for women with a history of a hormonally mediated cancer. However, the levonorgestrel-containing IUD may be preferable for women being treated with tamoxifen and women who have survived non-hormonally mediated cancers. Women with IUDs can undergo all forms of imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Center for Research on Health Care, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 230 McKee Place, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. schwarzeb@upmc.edu
Eleanor Bimla
EB
Schwarz
Rachel
R
Hess
James
J
Trussell
D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated / Q000009:adverse effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female