Woman with the human papilloma virus (HPV), using birth control pills
increase the risk of cervical cancer up to four times, according to a study
published in the noted medical journal: The Lancet in March 2002. The study
was conducted by the World Health Organization.
The findings were based on data from eight different studies that included
3,769 women from four continents. 1,853 had cancer and 1,916 did not. Nearly
all the woman were infected with HPV. The researchers made adjustments
based on the participant's education, sexual activity and history, age
and geographic location.
The study showed that woman who used birth control pills for less than 5 years were not at any more risk of cervical cancer in women than women who had never taken oral contraceptives.
However, the study showed that women who used birth control pills for
between 5 -9 years were three times more likely to get cervical cancer.
Woman using birth control pills for more than 10 years were four times
more likely to get cancer. The study concludes:
"Long-term use of oral contraceptives could
be a cofactor that increases the risk of cervical carcinoma by up to fourfold
in women who are positive for cervical HPV DNA."
HPV, human papilloma virus is a common sexually transmitted disease that has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. The virus causes warts and lesions. In a study done in the late 1980's researchers identified HPV as a risk factor for cervical cancer. There are 12,900 cases of cervical cancer in the US each years and 4,400 woman die of it. After breast cancer, it is the second most common form of cancer found in woman.
Lawyers are investigating claims on behalf of woman who have used birth control pills for more than 5 years, who have developed cervical cancer. Such woman may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer.
If you or a loved one has Cervical cancer and believe it is related to birth control pill usage: submit your inquiry below for a confidential evaluation by our attorneys investigating claims of woman with cervical cancer they believe is related to long term use of birth control pills.