Association between oral contraceptive use and pancreatic cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Studies on the association of oral contraceptive (OC) use and pancreatic cancer showed inconsistent findings. AIM To evaluate the relationship between OC use and pancreatic cancer risk. METHODS A literature search for observational studies (case-control and cohort studies) was conducted up to December 2020. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's chi-square test and I-2 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed by study design, source of controls in case-control studies, number of cases of pancreatic cancers, study quality according to Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score, geographical region and menopausal status. All analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). RESULTS A total of 21 studies (10 case-control studies and 11 cohort studies) were finally included in the present meta-analysis, comprising 7700 cases of pancreatic cancer in total. A significant association was observed between the ever use of OC and pancreatic cancer risk in the overall analysis (RR = 0.85; 95%CI = 0.73-0.98; P = 0.03). Duration of OC use (< 1 year, < 5 years, 5-10 years, > 10 years) was not significantly associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Subgroup analyses revealed a statistically significant subgroup difference for the geographic region in which the study was conducted (Europe vs Americas vs Asia; P = 0.07). Subgroup analyses showed a statistically significant decrease in pancreatic cancer risk and OC use in high-quality studies, studies conducted in Europe, and in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION Despite the suggested protective effects of OC use in this meta-analysis, further epidemiological studies are warranted to fully elucidate the association between the use of OC and pancreatic cancer risk.

Automated summary

The use of oral contraceptives is significantly associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer, but the results vary across different geographic regions and study quality levels in subgroup analyses. Further epidemiological studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between oral contraceptive use and pancreatic cancer risk.