Depo Provera and cancer risk
Last reviewed 01/2018
- effect on breast cancer risk - less than or similar to the combined oral
contraceptive pill (1)
- there is possibly a weak association between current use of DMPA and
breast cancer. Any increased risk is likely to be small and reduce with
time after stopping (2)
- there is possibly a weak association between current use of DMPA and
breast cancer. Any increased risk is likely to be small and reduce with
time after stopping (2)
- not associated with increased risk of ovarian, cervical or liver cancer
(1)
- protective effect against endometrial cancer (five-fold - relative risk
0.2) - this protective effect continues for up to eight years after discontinuation
(1)
- there is a weak association between cervical cancer and use of DMPA for
5 years or longer. Any increased risk appears to reduce with time after stopping
and could be due to confounding factors (2)
Reference:
- (1) Prescriber (1999), 10 (16), 29-41.
- (2) FSRH (December 2014). Progestogen-only injection contraception.