CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICES AND CANCER RISK: UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN OCPS AND BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Oral contraceptive pills [OCPs] have transformed reproductive health since their introduction in the 1960s, offering women autonomy and therapeutic benefits beyond contraception. However, concerns about a potential link between OCP use and breast cancer risk have persisted, particularly in light of evolving hormonal formulations and emerging immunological strategies in cancer prevention. Objective: This review aimed to evaluate the association between oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk, considering key modifying factors such as duration, age at initiation, hormonal potency, genetic predisposition, and familial history. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020. From an initial pool of 23 articles, 8 peer-reviewed studies were selected based on inclusion criteria focused on quantitative risk assessment and detailed reporting of OC exposure. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively to highlight patterns and subgroup-specific risks. Results: The cumulative evidence indicates a modest but consistent increase in breast cancer risk associated with oral contraceptive use, particularly among women who began use at a young age, used OCs for extended durations, or had a genetic predisposition [e.g., BRCA1/2 mutations]. High-dose estragon and progestin formulations were linked to higher risk estimates [ORs up to 3.1], while modern low-dose pills appeared safer