Oral contraceptive pill as a risk factor in breast cancer

ABSTRACT

The contraceptive pill is the most popular method of birth control all over the world. Oral contraception must be practised on medical prescription and supervision, for selection of the suitable subject, and early detection of any adverse effects. Among the possible side-effects of the pill, the potential risk of malignancy, including breast cancer was discussed and investigated. The objective of this study is to test whether the use of oral centraceptive pill is a risk factor in the development of breast cancer. The study covered a group of breast cancer cases [150] and a crossly matched control group of women free of the disease [150]. Both groups, were interviewed for personal, menstrual and obstetric history.The use of contraceptive pill was fully investigated for age at first intake, pattern and duration of use and the type used. They were also asked for history of breast disease and family history of breast cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses of different variables of the study, in addition to odds ratio and its 95% confidence limits were performed. Practice of contraception by the pill did not prove to be a risk factor for breast cancer, irrespective of age at first intake or duration of use. Late age at first full-term pregnancy and benign diseases of the breast proved to be risk factors. Results and recommendations are given