[Oral contraception and cancer risk]

Abstract

Oral contraception was introduced twenty years ago and is today the most popular method of preventing pregnancy. Some undesirable side effects of these drugs are well known, while others are only suspected. Many investigations have been undertaken to elucidate whether or not the Pill has carcinogenic properties, and the present study describes the current state of knowledge on this question. At present no evidence exists to suggest that oral contraceptives have carcinogenic effects on the human breast or genital organs. A casual relationship between use of these drugs and development of liver tumors is possible but far from proven.