Oral Contraceptives and Breast Cancer (1991) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Pages 1-8
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 1... ...
The introduction and dissemination of oral contraceptives in the United States have been superimposed on steadily rising breast cancer incidence rates. Breast cancer accounts for more new cases of cancer among American women than cancer of any other organ, and it has become more common through the twentieth century.
|
From page 2... ...
This follow-up, as well as a dedicated effort to prepare the results of existing cohort studies for pooled analysis, should be enough to confirm the existing consensus and put statistical limits on the upper bounds of measured safety with respect to the risk of breast cancer. There may also be sufficient data from this effort to determine whether oral contraceptive exposure of these virtually first users has had any impact in their postmenopausal years.
|
From page 3... ...
The effect, if any, of oral contraceptives on breast cancer is perhaps the last substantial gap in knowledge of the side effects of the pill. The committee thus offers recommendations to address four policy issues related to diminishing that gap: (1)
|
From page 4... ...
· Provide women seeking contraception with adequate information and counseling relative to the current state of ambiguity with respect to the relationship between oral contraceptives and breast cancer. Filling gaps in biological and epidemiological knowledge Recommendations Multidisciplinary research initiatives to resolve the relationship between oral contraceptives and breast cancer.
|
From page 5... ...
There is enough variation in both exposure to oral contraceptives and opportunities for surveillance among the countries gathering data that a coordinated future research plan offers worldwide benefits. It is also important to note that some oral contraceptive formulations that are likely to become available in the United States over the next five years are already in use in a number of countries worldwide, including many European nations.
|
From page 6... ...
New research results should be periodically assessed for evidence of short- and long-term safety and carefully analyzed to provide clinicians with current information on the safest oral contraceptive use for younger and older women. There is also a need for continuous improvement of the dissemination of new and existing information about oral contraceptives and breast cancer among health care providers and women who use oral contraceptives.
|
From page 7... ...
Biological markers, as they become more generally available, should be incorporated into epidemiological protocols. Consistent with a multidisciplinary approach to better understanding of the causes of breast cancer, there is a need for studies using biological markers within the context of epidemiological study designs, using innovative as well as traditional research tactics.
|
From page 8... ...
The cost of such action must be weighed against the sobering costs of inaction: increased suffering and loss of life; the cost of treating breast cancer; and the cost of mammography screening programs, which lead to earlier detection but are not primary prevention. With oral contraceptives now being used by an estimated 10.7 million American women, any effect on breast cancer would be highly significant in terms of public health.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.