what is the risk for women who take oral contraceptives for several years?
Kenya et al quoted two studies in their 1990 paper. Kenya noted that two authors found an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma with long-term OCP use: Forman (1986) found a 20.1-fold risk whereas Neuberger (1986) found a 340% increased risk [RR= 4.4 (1.5-12.8)] in women who took OCPs for more than 8 years. Prentice cited two other studies, one by Henderson et al, and the other by La Vecchia et al that both found increased risk for OCP use greater than 5 years: 13.5 RR (1.2-152.2) and 8.3 RR (1.4-48.1) respectively. Finally, in a large study published in 1993, Tavani et al noted that women who used OCPs for more than 5 years had a 290% increased risk [RR=3.9 (0.6- 24.5)].” – source From this information we can conclude that medium to long term use of the oral contraceptive pill increases a woman’s risk of developing cancer. There are natural alternatives, but first we must understand a woman’s reproductive cycle.
