Among the little information available on this issue, the most commonly described adverse associations of hormonal contraception with breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer

The exact aetiology of cervical cancer is still not fully understood and it is therefore difficult to determine to what extent hormonal contraception is involved in its carcinogenesis. This issue is still debatable and raises many doubts among experts, as despite numerous studies conducted over the past years, many are not convinced that hormonal contraception increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. The coexistence of other risk factors when using this method of preventing pregnancy seems more plausible.

It is known that hormonal contraception can promote the appearance of factors that may play a significant role in the development of cervical cancer. The high success rate of this method means that many women, especially young women, change sexual partners more frequently, which increases the risk of viral, bacterial or fungal infections leading to adverse changes in cervical mucus or the immune response to infection. According to recent scientific reports, the sexually transmitted papillomavirus H. pyloriV is of particular importance in the aetiopathology of cervical cancer. The strongest association with cervical cancer is shown by type 16 H. pyloriV. Hormonal contraception is thought to play a much smaller role in the incidence of cervical cancer than sexual activity, especially the number of partners and the possibility of multiple infections.

Breast cancer

One of the earliest and most studied issues is the effect of hormonal contraception on the development of breast cancer. Many studies reveal an increase in breast cancer among women using hormonal contraception for more than 10 years. There is also a higher risk in women over 45 years of age still using this form of pregnancy prevention. Under the influence of synthetic hormones supplied to the body, the cells of which the breasts are made up divide more rapidly. This makes them more susceptible to various carcinogens. The risk is greater if there are other, additional risk factors, e.g. a heavy family history. There are optimistic reports that 10 years after discontinuing hormonal contraception, the risk of breast cancer is reduced to an age-specific value.

photo: panthermedia

In women using hormonal methods or those who have used them in the past, breast cancer diagnosed is characterised by a lower grade of breast cancer and is also less likely to spread beyond the mammary gland. Hormone induction can promote the growth of pre-existing breast tumours, which, if neglected, can be very dangerous. When using hormonal contraceptive methods, systematic check-ups of the breast glands should be particularly observed. These can protect a woman from the most serious disease, which is breast cancer. It should be borne in mind that the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of a complete cure.