BRCA mutation carriers’ perception about benefits and risks associated with combined hormonal contraceptives use

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the actual perceptions about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) use in BRCA mutation carriers in comparison to women from the general population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, observational study involving two Italian referral centres for hereditary cancers. An identical questionnaire investigating how CHC use could affect the risk of developing some types of cancer, specific diseases, and symptoms was administered to 85 BRCA mutation carriers and 85 healthy women without this genetic mutation (control group). Women’s perceptions were evaluated using specific questions and Likert scales (−5 to +5).

Results

Perceptions about the effects of CHC use on developing specific diseases and symptoms did not differ between BRCA mutation carriers and controls. Conversely, the protective effects of CHC use on colorectal (p = .02), uterine body (p = .01) and ovarian (p = .01) cancers were unknown by BRCA mutation carriers. Moreover, BRCA mutation carriers recognised the association between CHC use and a higher risk of breast (p = .0008) and uterine cervix cancer (p = .007).

Conclusions

Investing time and effort in transmitting the correct key messages about oncological risk related to CHC use could potentially increase their use in BRCA mutation carriers.

摘要

目的：评估BRCA基因突变携带者与普通人群女性对复方激素避孕药（CHCs）的实际认识。

方法：这是一项两个意大利遗传性癌症转诊中心参与的横断面观察性研究。对85名BRCA突变携带者和85名无该基因突变的健康女性(对照组)进行了相同的问卷调查, 问卷涉及CHC的应用如何影响某些类型癌症、特定疾病和症状的发生风险。采用具体的问题和李克特量表(-5到+5)来评估女性的认识。

结果：在BRCA突变携带者和对照组中, 应用CHC对发生特定疾病和症状的影响其认识没有差异。相反, 对结直肠癌(p＝.02)、子宫体(p＝.01)和卵巢癌(p＝.01) 应用CHC的保护作用在BRCA突变携带者中是未知的。此外, BRCA突变携带者认为CHC的应用与乳腺癌(p＝.0008)和宫颈癌(p＝.007)的高风险有关。

结论：投入时间和精力来传达应用CHC与肿瘤风险的正确关键信息可能会增加CHC在BRCA突变携带者中的应用。

Keywords:

• BRCA
• hereditary ovarian cancer
• breast cancer
• oncology
• side effects

Acknowledgments

No particular acknowledgements for this research article.

Disclosure statement

G. Grandi received honoraria for sponsored lectures and participation in advisory boards from Bayer AG, Teva/Theramex, Sandoz Novartis, Exeltis Italy, Merck Sharp & Dohme and Italfarmaco/Effik Italy. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organisation or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.