Perception about benefits and risks related to combined hormonal contraceptives use in women with Lynch syndrome

• Published in: Annals of medicine (Helsinki) Vol. 56; no. 1; p. 2370568
• Main Authors: Barra, Fabio, Perrone, Umberto, Ferrero, Simone, Bogliolo, Stefano, Ottonello, Silvia, Gustavino, Claudio, Iasci, Angela, Grandi, Giovanni, Pulliero, Alessandra, Centurioni, Maria Grazia, Izzotti, Alberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 01-12-2024; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Adult; breast cancer; Case-Control Studies; colorectal cancer; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis - genetics; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis - psychology; combined hormonal contraceptive; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined - adverse effects; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal - adverse effects; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endometrial Neoplasms - psychology; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; hormones; Humans; Lynch syndrome; Middle Aged; ovarian cancer; Perception; Pregnancy, Childbirth & Women's Health; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Surveys and Questionnaires; combined hormonal contraceptive; colorectal cancer; dysmenorrhea; hormones; ovarian cancer; endometrial cancer; breast cancer; contraception; Lynch syndrome
• ISSN: 0785-3890; 1365-2060; 1365-2060
• DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2370568

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary condition associated with an increased risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of women with LS regarding combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use compared to a control group of healthy women.
Pre-menopausal women with LS (
 = 43) and an age-matched control group of healthy women (
 = 128) participated in this prospective, cross-sectional study (NCT05909410). Participants completed an electronic questionnaire evaluating perceptions of CHC use and its impact on various cancers, medical conditions, and symptoms. Statistical analysis compared responses between the two groups, with reported
-values.
Women with LS were less likely to use CHCs compared to the control group (
 = 0.03) and had a more negative perception of CHCs' impact on colorectal cancer (
 = 0.023) and endometrial cancer (
 = 0.028). Limited knowledge was observed in both groups regarding the protective effects of CHCs against colorectal and ovarian cancer. Perceptions of CHC use and its impact on symptoms and chronic diseases did not significantly differ between the groups (
 > 0.05). CHC use was not associated with greater awareness of the protective effect against colorectal (
 = 0.89) and endometrial cancer (
 = 0.47), but it was associated with a desire for contraception (OR 21.25; 95% CI 1.16 to 388.21;
 = 0.039).
This study highlights contrasting perceptions of CHCs and their implications in oncology between women with LS and healthy women. Tailored counselling and support strategies are crucial for empowering women with LS to make informed decisions about their gynaecologic health.