Carcinoma of the cervix and oral contraceptives: epidemiological studies.

The relationship between squamous carcinoma of the cervix and oral contraceptive use has been examined in a substantial number of epidemiological studies. On balance there is reasonably convincing evidence that prolonged oral contraceptive use slightly increases the risk of the disease, but some doubt remains as to whether or not confounding factors have been controlled adequately in the studies reporting positive findings. The data are too few at present for any reasoned comment to be made about the possible relationship between oral contraceptives and adenocarcinoma of the cervix.