Concerns About Breast Cancer and Oral Contraceptives
Author Information
Author(s): R.D.T. Farmer
Primary Institution: Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School
Hypothesis
Is there a link between oral contraceptive use before the first term birth and breast cancer rates in women under 35?
Conclusion
The study's findings on breast cancer risk related to oral contraceptive use are questionable due to methodological flaws.
Supporting Evidence
- The study had a significant loss to follow-up, with only 38.3% of the original cohort remaining after 17 years.
- The authors did not collect crucial data on age at first birth, which is an important factor in breast cancer risk.
- Adjustments for smoking and social class may not be valid due to changes over the study period.
Takeaway
The study suggests that using the pill might increase breast cancer risk, but there are many problems with how the study was done.
Methodology
The study followed a cohort of women using oral contraceptives and compared them to non-users over several years.
Potential Biases
The study may have biases due to the way participants were selected and the data collected.
Limitations
High loss to follow-up and potential confounding variables not adequately controlled for.
Participant Demographics
Women under 35 years old, with a cohort recruited in 1968-69.
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