Vladimír Cupaník
Not only combined hormonal contraceptives but modern contraception as such is in decline in Slovakia. While in Slovakia in the year 2008, 22.3 % of women in fertile age used hormonal contraception, in 2017 it was only 12.2 %. Behind the facts mentioned above, we need to see a strong anti-hormone lobby as well as a lack of confidence in a part of the professionals about hormonal contraception. These are, in particular, concerns about possible thromboembolic complications. The article discusses the relationship of combined hormonal contraceptives to the risks of breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer, as well as colon cancer. Clinical studies have shown a low increase in the risk of breast cancer, which, however, needs to be interpreted in the context of the benefits of hormonal contraception. Few studies investigated the relationship between combined hormonal contraception and cervical cancer risk in HPV positive women.
On the other hand, a reduction in the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, as well as a reduction of the risk of colorectal cancer has been confirmed in users of combined hormonal contraception. The risks and benefits of hormonal contraceptives are known and relatively clear. Our goal is to provide objective information to help take the right position on prescribing hormonal contraceptives