The use of modern combined oral contraceptives (the kochs), containing low dose estrogen and progestins are the new generation, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer in young women, according to a study published in BMJ (British Medical Journal).
At least 100 million women worldwide use daily hormonal contraception. Earlier studies have shown reduced risk of ovarian cancer in women taking Coca older generations, which contained higher dosages of estrogen and progestins early generations.
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen (University of Aberdeen), Scotland, and the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen), Denmark, studied the effect of new hormonal contraceptives (both combined and pure progestinami) General and specific types of ovarian cancer women of reproductive age. The majority (86%) hormonal contraceptives amounted to Coca.
Using a national system of appointments and registration of cancer patients, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 1.9 million Danish women aged 15-49 during the period from 1995 to 2014. They identified the following categories of women:
- never used (no data on the results of hormonal contraception),
- use currently or recently (one year after the termination),
- used before (over a year ago).
After taking into account a number of factors, including age and childbearing, the researchers found that the greatest number of cases of ovarian cancer were recorded among women who never used hormonal contraception, of 7.5 per 100 000 people per year. If you are using hormonal contraceptives ever, the number of cases of ovarian cancer was 3.2 per 100,000 people per year.
Researchers estimate that hormonal contraception prevented approximately 21% of cases of ovarian cancer in this group of women. The lowest rates were observed in women who over a long period of time used Coca. In addition, this positive effect was maintained after discontinuation of.
Thus, estrogen-containing contraceptives may reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, even years after cessation of use.
As for pure progestinami of contraceptives, the same effect was not identified. Although previous studies have shown similar benefits for contraception methods, based only on progestine. Scientists believe that the small size of the group and, accordingly, insufficient data.
The study was observational, therefore it is impossible to make unambiguous conclusions about the causes and consequences, but they confirm the results of studies of older agents. In addition, not been studied in elderly women, although most cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in adulthood. However, the study was extensive, with a long observation period, which gave the opportunity to adapt to a number of potentially important factors.
Based on our results, modern combined hormonal contraceptives continues to be associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in women of reproductive age, with similar values observed in the old combination products for oral administration, the authors of the study.
Valeria SEMA