full free access: Hormonal Contraception—What Kind, When, and for Whom?

Continuing Medical Education

Abstract

Method

Selective review of the literature.

Results

COCs suppress gonadotropin secretion and thereby inhibit follicular maturation and ovulation. Their correct use is associated with 0.3 pregnancies per 100 women per year, their typical use, with 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year (Pearl index). COCs have effects on the cardiovascular and hemostatic systems as well as on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. When given in the presence of specific risk factors, they significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and thromboembolism. Women with persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection who take COCs are at increased risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. On the other hand, COCs lower the cumulative incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancer by 30% to 50%, and that of colorectal cancer by 20% to 30%. Other malignancies seem to be unaffected by COC use.

Conclusion

As long as personal and familial risk factors are carefully considered, COCs constitute a safe, reversible, and well-tolerated method of contraception.

Role of Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation and Aspirin Use in Cancer Survivors (abstract)

Note: abstract does not reference ovarian cancer "The potential beneficial or adverse effects of dietary supplements and aspirin in survivors of cancer warrant further study."

The Benefits of Oncology Massage

JAMA -- Letter: bias and trials stoped for early benefit (5)

Letters
Bias and Trials Stopped Early for Benefit

Scott M. Berry; Bradley P. Carlin; Jason Connor
JAMA 2010; 304: 156. [Extract] [Full text] [PDF]

Letters
Bias and Trials Stopped Early for Benefit

Edward L. Korn; Boris Freidlin; Margaret Mooney
JAMA 2010; 304: 157-a-158-a. [Extract] [Full text] [PDF]

Letters
Bias and Trials Stopped Early for Benefit

Steven Goodman; Donald Berry; Janet Wittes
JAMA 2010; 304: 157. [Extract] [Full text] [PDF]

Letters
Bias and Trials Stopped Early for Benefit—Reply

Gordon H. Guyatt; Dirk Bassler; Victor M. Montori
JAMA 2010; 304: 158-a-159-a. [Extract] [Full text] [PDF]

Letters
Bias and Trials Stopped Early for Benefit

Susan S. Ellenberg; David L. DeMets; Thomas R. Fleming
JAMA 2010; 304: 158. [Extract] [Full text] [PDF]

Acupuncture as Palliative Therapy for Physical Symptoms and Quality of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients -- Dean-Clower et al. 9 (2): 158 -- Integrative Cancer Therapies

"Ambulatory patients with advanced ovarian or breast cancer were enrolled to receive treatments at an outpatient academic oncology center."

Conclusions.
This pilot study demonstrates that an 8-week outpatient acupuncture course is feasible for advanced cancer patients and produces a measurable benefit that should be evaluated in controlled trials.