ORAL CONTRACEPTION AND CARCINOMA.

Abstract

It is possible that instead of causing genital cancer the progesterone ingredient in oral contraceptives protects against the development of genital cancer. In the case of the endometrium for example estrogen alone can cause hyperplasia and cystic changes which are possible precursors of carcinoma. This condition can be remedied by administration of progesterone and is avoided by women using oral contraceptives in whom the endometrium tends to have glandular and cystic changes. The cytology of the cervix on the other hand is altered by oral contraceptives but even frequent examination has not yielded evidence that oral contraceptives are an etiologic factor in cancer of the cervix. The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but it would be difficult to associate it with oral contraceptive use. Therefore users of oral contraceptives may be reassured but the occurrence of intermenstrual spotting should be carefully monitored nevertheless.