Abstract

Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are widely used for contraception, but may have an additional effect on cancer risk. In the general population, CHCs reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers, although they may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Among women with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes, the impact of CHC use is more complex and requires individualized consideration. In hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, CHCs can substantially lower the risk of ovarian cancer but may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. For women with Lynch syndrome, CHCs may provide protection against endometrial cancer and possibly ovarian cancer. In Li-Fraumeni syndrome, data remain limited, and current evidence does not show a clear link between CHC use and increased breast cancer risk. For rarer syndromes such as Cowden or Peutz–Jeghers, there is a lack of reliable data, and non-hormonal methods are generally preferred. Overall, CHCs may be a suitable contraceptive option even for women with cancer predisposition syndromes, but their use requires careful assessment of risks and benefits, alongside informed patient decision-making.