Combined Estrogen- Progestogen Contraceptives and Combined Estrogen-Progestogen Menopausal Therapy

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Oral contraceptives for family planning worldwide have revolutionized the reproductive lives of millions of women since their introduction in the 1960s. Later on, a variety of side-effects including cardiovascular diseases was recognized. In response to these concerns, new generations of combined oral contraceptives were developed that featured lower dose of estrogen and newer, more potent progestogens. The effectiveness and ease of use of combined hormonal contraceptives suggest that they will continue to be used to a significant extent in the future. This ninety-first volume of IARC Monographs contains evaluations of the carcinogenic hazard to humans of combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives and combined estrogen-protestogen menopausal therapy. The hormonal drugs reviewed in this volume involve co-administration of an estrogen and a progestogen. Studies that did not provide information on the use of combined estrogen-progestogen agents are not reviewed. It should also be noted that this volume reviews only studies that are publicly available and therefore does not include pharmaceutical test results that are not in the public domain. The evaluations developed in this volume identify specific forms of cancer for which the risk is increased or decreased by combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives and provide information that will help address the health concerns and well-being of hundred of millions of women worldwide.