open access - June 2013: Oral Contraceptive Use for the Primary Prevention of Ovarian Cancer (+ other cancers)

open access AHRQ Publication No. 13-E002-EFJune 2013

Objective. To estimate the overall balance of harms and benefits from the potential use of oral contraceptives (OCs) for the primary prevention of ovarian cancer


 Conclusions. There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of OCs solely for the primary prevention of ovarian cancer. Although the net effects of the current patterns of OC use likely result in increased life expectancy when other noncontraceptive benefits are included, the harm/benefit ratio for ovarian cancer prevention alone is uncertain, particularly when the potential quality-of-life impact of breast cancer and vascular events are considered.

Section 1. Introduction and Methods
Section 2. Oral Contraceptives and Ovarian Cancer
Section 3. Oral Contraceptives and Other Cancers
Section 4. Oral Contraceptives and Vascular Events
Section 5. Overall Benefits and Harms of Oral Contraceptives for Prevention of Ovarian Cancer