Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Risk factors for Breast Cancer Questions about breast cancer risk. |
941 | ![]() |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/15/2012 | Hi, can you address the issue of whether oral contraceptive use increases risk for premenopausal breast cancer? In doing an Internet search I have come across conflicting information, with some websites saying there is a slight increased risk while a woman is on OCs and some websites saying there is no increased risk at all. Is there a good study on this that you can point me to? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 2/15/2012 | You actually have answered your own very good question. Opinion varies from slight increase risk vs no risk, which can be seen as 'conflicting', but certainly not an absolute. The use of OC may be dictated more by the personal and family breast cancer history of the woman, high risk factors, and overall general health. Today, the OC contain, for the most part, the lowest effective amount of an estrogen needed. Many women need and/or choose to use OC. Talk in more detail with your GYN. Hope this helps, and best wishes! | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

