What is the association of combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and cervical cancer?
Although users of oral contraceptives have a slightly greater than expected risk of cervical cancer the oral contraceptive is not thought to be the causative factor. Rather, it appears that the failure to use barrier contraceptives along with combined OCPs causes a slightly increased risk of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection -certain subtypes of which have been directly correlated to the risk for cervical cancer. Other risk factors associated with combined OCP use such as smoking, earlier age at first intercourse and an increased number of sexual partners may also be contributory. The recommended screening guidelines for cervical cancer should be followed by sexually active women who use combined OCPs.
