Along with the development of cancer diagnosis and treatment, the
life expectancy of women in reproductive age who suffer from cancer
are also higher. Women with cancer still have the possibility to
be pregnant and have a child during or after completion of therapy.
Taking this into consideration, the guideline for contraception in
special circumstances like this is needed. After reviewing the safety
and effectiveness of contraceptive methods available for women
with cancer, The Society of Family Planning urged not to use combination hormonal contraceptives (estrogen and progestin). Hormonal contraceptive use in cancer patients may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (Level A). T380A IUD, which has a high effectiveness, reversible, long-term, and hormone-free contraception
should be considered as the primary choice in patients with breast
cancer (Level A). In women who received tamoxifen therapy, the use
of IUD containing Levonorgestrel can be considered as a second
choice (Level B) because it can decrease the proliferation endometrium.
Women with anemia due to chemotherapy may be
given contraceptive containing progestin (Level A). Women with
osteopenia or osteoporosis after chemotherapy should avoid progestin
contraceptive injection (Level A). Currently, there are no data
to evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism in progestin contraceptive use. Further information is also needed to determine the effect of the use of IUD that contains Levonorgestrel against breast cancer recurrence and the effect of hormonal contraceptives on
breast cancer in women who received chest wall radiotherapy.
[Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 3: 166-170]
Keywords: cancer, contraception, malignancy
Contraception in Malignancies
