Contraception after breast cancer: a retrospective review of the practice among French Gynecologists in the 2000’s

Purpose of investigation: To describe the French practices regarding contraception after breast cancer in the 2000’s. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,500 forms were sent to gynecologists practicing in France. Inclusion criteria were premenopausal patients who had a history of breast cancer and who had been prescribed contraception after diagnosis. Between June 1, 2002 and January 1, 2003, 197 evaluable responses were retrieved. Results: The median age of the sample was 38.5 years. The most commonly used form of contraception was an intrauterine device (n = 144, 73.1%). Hormonal contraception was prescribed for 42 patients (21.3%), and other methods were used in 29 patients (14.7%) (Condoms n = 14, tubal sterilization n = 7, and others n = 8). Recurrence occurred in 27 patients (13%); 2.9% in the progestin group, 16.3% in the IUD group, and 14.8% with the other methods). Conclusions: It is necessary to evaluate current contraception practices after breast cancer to evaluate the efficacy and safety of contraception in these patients.

Breast cancer; Contraception; Progestagens; Progestins; Levonorgestrel IUD-intra uterine device.

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