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

Sep 21, 2026

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Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition linked to elevated colorectal and endometrial cancer risk. A prospective, cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of pre-menopausal women with Lynch syndrome regarding combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use, compared with age-matched healthy controls. Women with Lynch syndrome reported lower CHC use and more negative perceptions of CHC impact on colorectal and endometrial cancer. Limited CHC knowledge appeared in both groups, and CHC use did not relate to greater cancer-protective awareness, but it was associated with a stronger desire for contraception. Findings support tailored counseling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

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AnnAls of Medicine 2024, Vol. 56, no. 1, 2370568 [https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2024.2370568](https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2024.2370568) ReseaRch aRticle Perception about benefits and risks related to combined hormonal contraceptives use in women with Lynch syndrome Fabio Barraa,b , Umberto Perronea,c , simone Ferreroc,d , stefano Boglioloa , silvia Ottonelloa, claudio Gustavinoe , angela iascia, Giovanni Grandif , alessandra Pullierob , Maria Grazia centurionie and alberto izzottig,h aUnit of obstetrics and Gynecology, P.o. ‘ospedale del Tigullio’ – Asl4, chiavari, Ge, italy; bdepartment of Health sciences (dissAl), University of Genoa, Genoa, italy; cdepartment of neurosciences, Rehabilitation, ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and child Health (dinoGMi), University of Genoa, Genoa, italy; dAcademic Unit of obstetrics and Gynecology, iRccs ospedale Policlinico san Martino, Genoa, italy; eUnit of obstetrics and Gynecology, iRccs ospedale Policlinico san Martino, Genoa, italy; fdepartment of Medical and surgical sciences for Mother, child and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio emilia, Azienda ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, italy; gUnit of Mutagenesis and cancer Prevention, iRccs ospedale Policlinico san Martino, Genoa, italy; hdepartment of experimental Medicine (diMes), University of Genoa, Genoa, italy ABSTRACT Objective: 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. Methods: Pre-menopausal women with ls (n = 43) and an age-matched control group of healthy women (n = 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 p-values. Results: Women with ls were less likely to use chcs compared to the control group (p = 0.03) and had a more negative perception of chcs’ impact on colorectal cancer (p = 0.023) and endometrial cancer (p = 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 (p >0.05). chc use was not associated with greater awareness of the protective effect against colorectal (p = 0.89) and endometrial cancer (p = 0.47), but it was associated with a desire for contraception (OR 21.25; 95% ci 1.16 to 388.21; p = 0.039). Conclusion: 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. KEY MESSAGES • this study illuminates divergent perceptions of combined hormonal contraceptives and their oncological implications between women with lynch syndrome and healthy women. • tailored counseling and supportive strategies are essential for empowering women with lynch syndrome to make informed decisions regarding their gynecologic health. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 9 January 2024 Revised 26 March 2024 accepted 10 april 2024 KEYWORDS lynch syndrome; combined hormonal contraceptive; hormones; colorectal cancer; breast cancer; ovarian cancer; endometrial cancer; contraception; dysmenorrhea Introduction lynch syndrome (ls) is a genetic condition characterized by an increased susceptibility to certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. this hereditary condition is caused by germline pathogenic variants in DNa

FAQs

What was the study’s main objective?

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of women with Lynch syndrome regarding combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use compared with a control group of healthy women.

How did women with Lynch syndrome differ in CHC use and perceptions?

Women with Lynch syndrome were less likely to use CHCs and had more negative perceptions of CHCs’ impact on colorectal and endometrial cancer compared with healthy controls.

Did CHC use improve awareness of protective effects against cancer?

No. CHC use was not associated with greater awareness of protective effects against colorectal and endometrial cancer, although it was associated with a desire for contraception.

Sep 21, 2026

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