Ovarian Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ-line mutations and oral contraceptives: to use or not to use.

Grenader T, Peretz T, Lifchitz M, Shavit L

Department of Oncology, Hadassah University Hospital, P.O. Box 12000, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel. talgrenader65@hotmail.com

Approximately 10% of the cases of breast cancer and invasive ovarian cancer are hereditary, occurring predominantly in women with germ-line mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. In deciding whether women with germ-line mutations in the BRCA1 gene should use oral contraceptives a possible increase in the risk of breast cancer needs to be weighed against the convenience of this means of birth control and its potential to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. In women with BRCA2 mutations, oral contraceptive use has not been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and does have the potential to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Prophylactic surgical options and intensified surveillance should, of course, be discussed with these patients.

Published 8 August 2005 in Breast, 14(4): 264-8.
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