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  • Title: Long-term use of hormonal contraceptive DMPA not linked to breast cancer.
    Journal: Prog Hum Reprod Res; 1995; (33):5. PubMed ID: 12289977.
    Abstract:
    A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction with the collaboration with the University of Otago Medical School in Dunedin, New Zealand, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington, reveals that the injectable contraceptive DMPA (depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate) does not increase the overall risk of developing breast cancer, especially in women who have used DMPA for long periods in the past. Women who began using DMPA within the last 5 years may face a 2-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer, however. Enhanced detection of breast tumors or an acceleration of the growth of pre-existing tumors may explain this increased risk in recent or current users of DMPA. The researchers concluded that providers should not restrict DMPA on the grounds of breast cancer risk. The study reaffirmed the known link of increased risk of breast cancer with early menarche, being single, late age at birth of first child, nulliparity, family history of breast cancer, and history of benign breast disease. The study data originated from New Zealand, the US, Kenya, Mexico, and Thailand. Disadvantages of DMPA include: irregular bleeding, that it is provider-dependent, and slow return to fertility after DMPA use ceases. Advantages include high contraceptive effectiveness, no effect on blood clotting factors, and a protective effect against endometrial cancer.
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