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Birth Control Pill Helps Prevent Ovarian Cancer
by
findingDulcinea Staff
A recent Oxford University study confirms that the contraceptive pill reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.
30-Second Summary
Researchers from Oxford University's Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit also found that the risk of ovarian cancer remains lower 30 years after women stopped taking the pill.
The study was published on Jan. 26 in medical journal The Lancet.
Women over 50 are the most common age group to develop ovarian cancer.
But women of all ages should be aware of the symptoms because the sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome of treatment.
Symptoms include abnormal periods, unexplained back pain that worsens with time, gas, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
The study was published on Jan. 26 in medical journal The Lancet.
Women over 50 are the most common age group to develop ovarian cancer.
But women of all ages should be aware of the symptoms because the sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome of treatment.
Symptoms include abnormal periods, unexplained back pain that worsens with time, gas, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Headline Links: Contraceptive pill prevents ovarian cancer
Researchers from Oxford University's Cancer Research UK Epidemiology Unit report that the birth control pill greatly reduces the risk of ovarian cancer in women. The researchers conclude that the pill has prevented 200,000 ovarian cancers and 100,000 deaths.
Source: Health Day
Dr. Valerie Beral lead researcher of the Oxford University study, found that the contraceptive pill offers long-term protection from ovarian cancer. The longer women are on the pill, the greater the reduction in risk for ovarian cancer. In addition, this risk reduction lasts for more than 30 years after women stop taking the pill.
Source: The Lancet
Background: The history of the pill
Slate reviews the history of the birth control pill and the health effects––both good and bad—to which it has been linked. These effects include reports that the pill may protect women against ovarian cancer, but may also slightly increase their risk of breast cancer.
Source: Slate
Reference: Benefits and risks of the pill and an overview of ovarian cancer
Mayo Clinic explores the risks and benefits of taking birth control pills. It covers topics including conceiving after taking the pill, the risk of cancer from taking the pill and possible weight gain.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Women over 50 are the most common age group to develop ovarian cancer, but younger women are also at risk. Symptoms include a heavy feeling in the pelvis, pain in the lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, and weight gain or loss. Medline Plus, through the U.S. National Library of Medicine, offers overviews, news, research and multimedia tools to learn about ovarian cancer.
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine
Related Link: The ovarian cancer guide
finding Dulcinea offers an ovarian guide covering resources for information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. The guide also provides resources on being an ovarian cancer survivor, as well as the latest developments in ovarian cancer research.
Source: finding Dulcinea
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