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AbstractCervical cancer risk falls when OCs stoppedThe increased risk of cervical cancer associated with oral contraceptives (OCs) declines after use ends and returns to baseline after 10 years, Cancer Research UK has shown (Lancet 2007; 370: 1609‐21).The new analysis pooled data from 24 studies involving a total of 16 573 cases and 35 509 controls. In women up to 50 years old in developed countries, OC use was associated with a higher incidence of cervical cancer, increased from 3.8/1000 among never‐users to 4.0/1000 after 5 years and 4.5/1000 after 10 years. This was the first study to show that the risk decreased when OC use ended, with similar risks between patient subgroups.Little evidence comparing osteoporosis treatmentsWhile there is good evidence that the bisphosphonates and other therapies are effective in the treatment of osteoporosis, few comparative data are available and their relative efficacy is uncertain, say US analysts (Ann Intern Med 2008; 148(3); published online 18 Dec 2007).Their systematic review of 75 randomised trials and 24 metaanalyses found good evidence that bisphosphonates, oestrogen, parathyroid hormone and raloxifene reduced vertebral fracture risk compared with placebo, and fair evidence for calcitonin. For hip fractures, there was good evidence for the efficacy of oestrogen, alendronate and risedronate, and fair evidence supporting zoledronic acid; the efficacy of vitamin D varied with the analogue, dose and study population.A larger database provided safety data: raloxifene and oestrogens (alone or combined) increased the risk of thrombosis and etidronate increased the risk of oesophageal ulceration and gastrointestinal perforations, ulcerations and bleeding.Bevacizumab delays progression of metastatic breast cancerInitial treatment of metastatic breast cancer with a combination of bevacizumab and paclitaxel increases progression‐free survival but not overall survival, a new study shows (N Eng J Med 2007; 357: 2666‐76).Among 722 women who received 4‐weekly cycles, median progression‐free survival was 11.8 months with combination therapy compared with 5.9 months with paclitaxel alone. Although one‐year survival was higher with combination therapy (81.2 vs 73.4 per cent), median survival was similar in the two groups (26.7 vs 25.2 months). Combined therapy was associated with a higher incidence of hypertension, proteinuria and cerebrovascular ischaemia.Testosterone has mixed effects in older menTestosterone supplementation in older men with low testosterone levels (<13.7nmol/l) does not improve cognition or functional status, according to investigators from The Netherlands (JAMA 2008; 299: 39‐52).Six months' treatment with testosterone undecanoate 80mg twice daily increased lean body mass, decreased fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity compared with placebo.However, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol was decreased and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher than with placebo (48 vs 36 per cent, P=0.07). There was no effect on quality of life, prostate safety or bone mineral density.Information for people undergoing gender changeThe Department of Health has published information resources for people undergoing gender change, their families and healthcare staff.The leaflet Transgender experiences – information and support explains gender dysphoria and its treatment, individuals' rights and choices and sources of support. A guide to hormone therapy for trans people is a booklet explaining treatment in detail. Both can be downloaded from the Department of Health website (www.dh.gov.uk). Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd.