Effects of hormonal contraceptives on the breast

The presumed association between hormonal contraceptives use and breast cancer has long been a source of uncertainty and controversy. Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) formulations have changed over time and it remains relevant to continue to examine the influence of contemporary compounds, which provide a lower dose and different types of hormones, on breast cancer risk. For women presently using CHCs and in the 10 years after they stop there is a small increase in the risk of having breast cancer diagnosed. The risk of breast cancer seems to be greater in women who used CHCs before the first full term pregnancy and before age 20. However the absolute risk of breast cancer in women in their 20’s is very low and any risk excess attributable to CHCs is small (0,5 in 10000). Moreover this excess risk does not persist after 10 or more years after cessation of use. Former CHCs use does not increase the risk of breast cancer later in life, when the incidence of breast cancer is higher. In women who have a family history of breast cancer data regarding the use of CHCs are limited. Finally, the use of CHCs does not modify the risk of mortality for breast cancer.