title: Oral contraceptive use in women at increased risk of breast/ovarian cancer: knowledge and attitudes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several of the health benefits and risks associated with the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) are particularly relevant to women at risk of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-three past female patients of an Australian hereditary cancer clinic aged 18-50 years completed a self-report questionnaire to assess their contraceptive practices, knowledge and information needs (44% response rate).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-two percent of participants had previously used the COCP, with a mean knowledge score of 3.63 out of 8. Nearly 40% reported that their family history of cancer was one reason they discontinued/avoided using the COCP. Women reported receiving insufficient COCP information and preferred a targeted information leaflet to answer their questions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although recall bias may have affected some women, there is a clear need to improve the consistency of information delivered to women at risk of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer, to ensure informed contraceptive choices are made.
authors: Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Australia.
authors: Kim Tam
authors: KT
authors: Bui
authors: Claire E
authors: CE
authors: Wakefield
authors: Nadine A
authors: NA
authors: Kasparian
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Tyler
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Abbott
authors: Kathy
authors: K
authors: Tucker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined