HORMONAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND ORAL CONTRACEPTION - RISK OF INDUCTION OR REACTIVATION OF GYNECOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES

The administration of oral contraceptives does not enhance the incidence of gynecologic malignancies. Only few subgroups of patients seem to have a slightly elevated relative risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, the incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancer is markedly reduced. This is also true for correct hormonal replacement therapy. In addition, no elevation of breast cancer risk has been evidenced for low-estrogen administration. In most cases, hormonal replacement therapy may also be performed safely following successful treatment of gynecologic cancers.