A women who is taking OCPs may have?

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are associated with a slight and temporary increase in the risk of breast cancer.
A large collaborative study found a significant 1.24-fold higher risk for current COC users compared to non-users.
This increased risk is transient and declines after discontinuing the pills, returning to the baseline risk of non-users about 10 years after cessation.
The risk is not significantly influenced by factors like age at first use, duration of use, or family history of breast cancer.

Option A: This is incorrect. OCPs have a well-established protective effect against ovarian cancer.
Option C: This is incorrect. Long-term use of OCPs is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer, not a decreased risk.
Option D: This is incorrect. The evidence does not support a decreased risk of breast cancer with OCP use; it points to a slight, temporary increase.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cancer risks associated with oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must counsel patients on both the risks and benefits of OCPs. The significant protective effect against ovarian and endometrial cancer often outweighs the small, transient risk of breast cancer for many women.
Patient education should emphasize the importance of regular health screenings, including breast self-awareness, clinical breast exams, and routine Pap tests for cervical cancer screening.
It is crucial to assess for contraindications, such as a personal history of breast cancer, before initiating hormonal contraception.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of pharmacology.
First, identify the drug class in question: Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs).
Recall the known effects of OCPs on the risks of various gynecological cancers.
Remember that OCPs decrease the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Recall that OCPs increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Recall that OCPs are associated with a slight, temporary increase in breast cancer risk.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QTMm5PCzJY16pJ8lOQ4v9m

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 130-158

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 82-95

Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.