Oral Contraceptives and Breast Cancer: A review with some comments on mathematical models

Abstract

The relationship between oral contraceptive use and breast cancer is discussed on the basis of information given in review articles, meta-analyses and editorials emphasizing methodological problems related to bias and confounding. Over the last few years a shift in opinion has taken place. Most reviewers now consider that long-term use of oral contraceptives is associated with an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer and no effect among postmenopausal breast cancer. This result is compatible with an additive effect (in rate measure scale) of oral contraceptive use on breast cancer risk.