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The association between oral contraceptive use and ovarian or breast cancer in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers are qualitatively similar to associations reported in the general population. Oral contraceptive pill use is inversely associated with ovarian cancer risk. However, it is also associated with a modest, but not statistically significant, increased risk for breast cancer. The analysis was unable to provide conclusive recommendations as to their use as preventive measures given these and other unmeasured risks. However, oral contraceptive pills appear safe for contraception in this population.
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If you have any patients who use 28-day packages of Nortrel 7/7/7 oral contraceptives (OCs), be sure your clinic has initiated its patient notification plan following the July 9, 2003, voluntary recall issued by the pills manufacturer, Barr Laboratories of Pomona, NY.
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The word is getting out about emergency contraception (EC). A just-released national survey reports that two-thirds of women ages 18-44 are aware that there is something a woman can do to prevent pregnancy in the few days following sexual intercourse.
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Findings from a new Australian study indicate that use of modern, low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) containing 50 mcg estrogen or less do not appear to appreciably raise the risk of ischemic stroke in healthy women.
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Just-published papers in the Journal of the American Medical Association add to heightened concern regarding hormone therapy (HT).
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Hardy ML. Tai chi: Benefits in older women. Altern Ther Women's Health 2003;5(8):61-62.
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Keegan L. Chaste tree berry for premenstrual syndrome. Altern Ther Women's Health 2003;5(8):57-61.
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Black Cohosh May Not Be Safe for Women with Breast Cancer; Viga and Viga for Women Tablets Recalled; Herbal Product Label May Not Accurately Reflect Contents
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There has been some controversy on the role of taxanes in combination with platinum for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In the current report, patients who relapsed after a disease-free interval of 6 months or more were randomized in 2 large, multicenter trials conducted in Europe to receive either platinum (or typical platinum-based regimens) or paclitaxel plus platinum.
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Women who survive breast cancer may be at a lower risk of developing coronary artery disease compared with women without a history of breast cancer.
