Cancer and Contraception

Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Combined hormonal contraceptive methods (containing estrogen and progestin) should be avoided by women with active cancer or who have been treated for cancer in the last 6 months due to the increased risk of VTE. (A)
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For women with a history of breast cancer, the copper T380A IUD, a highly effective, hormone-free method, is recommended. (A)
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For women with anemia, the levonorgestrel-containing IUS may be used to minimize menstrual blood loss. (A)
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For women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen, the levonorgestrel-containing IUS provides highly effective contraception and reduces tamoxifen-induced endometrial changes without increasing the risk of breast cancer recurrence. (B)
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For women with a history of chest wall irradiation, systemic estrogen and progestin should be avoided. (B)
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Women with osteopenia or osteoporosis should avoid injectable progestin-only contraceptives. (B)
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Estrogen-containing contraception may be beneficial to women with osteopenia or osteoporosis. (B)
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Women with immunosuppression may safely use intrauterine contraception. (B)
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Emergency contraceptive pills may be used by women at risk of breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence who decline emergency placement of a copper T380A IUD. (B)
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Cancer and Contraception

Authoring Organization

Publication Month/Year

May 1, 2012

Last Updated Month/Year

January 8, 2024

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

It provides the guideline regarding the safety and efficacy of available methods of contraception for women who have been diagnosed with cancer

Target Patient Population

Child-bearing age women with cancer

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Prevention, Management, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D054556 - Venous Thromboembolism, D000080066 - Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal, D003271 - Contraceptive Agents, Female, D000073116 - Cancer Survivors, D003267 - Contraception, D003270 - Contraceptive Agents, D003273 - Contraceptive Devices, D003276 - Contraceptives, Oral

Keywords

cancer, oral contraceptive, contraceptive agents, cancer survivors

Source Citation

Contraception 86 (2012) 191-198