Women who use hormonal contraceptives are more likely to develop breast cancer. These are the conclusions of a study conducted by British scientists. Find out the details.
The study was based on information from the Clinical Research Data Link (CPRD). It is a computerized database containing the medical records of over 11 million people registered with a general practitioner in the UK’s National Health Service. The medical records of 10,000 women over 50 diagnosed with breast cancer were studied.
Hormonal contraception increases the risk of breast cancer
The relationship between the use of hormonal contraception with progesterone and the subsequent development of tumor lesions was analyzed. It is proved that the specified action increases the risk of getting sick by 20-30%. Regardless of the pregnancy prevention method used. Not only subcutaneous implants and intrauterine devices turned out to be dangerous, but also oral pills.
The presented study complements the knowledge of scientists about the effect of hormonal contraceptives on women’s health. All previous research has focused on analyzing the effects of estrogen. The effects of progesterone use have not been well studied.
It should be noted that the use of contraceptives has many side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include:
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diarrhea,
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vomit,
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decreased libido (decreased sex drive),
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change in skin color,
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lipid metabolism disorders,
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weight gain.
Moreover, it has been proven that taking oral contraceptives can lead to the development of cervical cancer. The occurrence of these neoplastic changes is associated with more frequent sex life and a higher risk of infection of the intimate organs.
How to protect yourself from breast and cervical cancer?
Control examinations play an important role in the prevention of cancer. Regular cytology and mammography can detect any pathological tissue changes at an early stage of development, which gives more chances for successful treatment. Do not underestimate any alarm signals from the body. The Ministry of Health implements the “Breast Cancer Prevention” and “Cervical Cancer Prevention” programs, which make it possible to take advantage of free tests under the National Health Fund.
The Breast Cancer Prevention program is for women aged 50 to 69 years who have not had a mammogram in the last 24 months as part of their preventive care program or who received a written indication for a repeat mammogram 12 months later as part of their last breast cancer prevention program. . year.
The Cervical Cancer Prevention program is open to women aged 25 to 59 who have not had a Pap smear screening in the past 3 years.
Sources:
- journals.plos.org/plosmedicine, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004188
- nfz.gov.pl/dla-pacjenta/programy-projekty
- Galushka G., Galushka R., Radomek S., Borecki M., Legavets M., “Side effects of hormonal contraception”, Public health as a standard of well-being, ch. VII.
Source: Wprost
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