BRCA mutation carriers’ perception about benefits and risks associated with combined hormonal contraceptives use

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

“…In general, it is possible to assume that, as previously demonstrated in BRCA pathogenic variant carriers [ 13 ], women with LS may also have an altered perception of the impact of hormones in the pathogenesis of gynaecological cancers ( Figure 1 ). On opposite, the potential protective effects of hormone-related factors on colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers should be reassuring for women with LS.…”

“…Furthermore, the Likert scale used in the questionnaires has a limited ability to compare perceived associations with the strength of known associations between CHC use and specific symptoms, diseases, and cancer risk. Notably, the questionnaire’s generic nature, previously employed by our research group [ 13 ], may not fully capture the nuances of all cancer risks associated with LS (e.g. pancreatic cancer [ 1 ]), potentially impacting the study’s ability to evaluate attitudes and beliefs related to CHC use.…”

“…To collect data on the participants’ perceptions and opinions, an electronic questionnaire was administered via mailing-list to all enrolled participants, both in the LS and control groups. The questionnaire, previously utilized in other recent Italian studies involving premenopausal women with BRCA pathogenic variants [ 13 ], addressed the use of CHCs and their potential impact on: 1) specific types of cancer (breast cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma); 2) medical pathological conditions (venous thrombosis, breast cysts, cardiovascular incidents, anaemia, fetal abnormalities, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections); 3) symptoms (headache, weight gain, reduction in sexual desire, vaginal dryness, increased/decreased appetite, mood swings, depressive mood, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, acne). Participants used a Likert scale ranging from −5 to +5 to assess their perception of the impact of CHCs on these variables.…”

“…Nevertheless, in daily practice, myths and taboos regarding side effects and long-term consequences of CHC use on women’s health need to be fully addressed also in the general population [ 12 ]. The awareness of the effects of hormonal therapies in women at high risk of developing endometrial cancer, colorectal, or ovarian cancer, such as those affected by LS, is even more limited, with few published studies addressing the perception about benefits and risks related to CHCs only in BRCA pathogenic variant carriers [ 13 , 14 ]. Understanding women’s preferences and their unique perspectives is crucial for tailoring effective counselling and support strategies [ 15 ].…”