Catholic nuns should be encouraged to use the oral contraceptive pill as a way of reducing the likelihood of developing ovarian and uterine cancer, according to a paper published by The Lancet online.
The Melbourne researchers arrived at their conclusions after examining various longitudinal and epidemiological studies which showed the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer is influenced by the number of ovulatory menstrual cycles: the more cycles the greater the risk. Consequently, women who do not bear children (nulliparous women) have an increased risk of diagnosis due to the absence of pregnancy and lactation.
Dr Kara Britt, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
Prof Roger Short, Department of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne University
The Lancet
http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/the-use-of-the-contraceptive-pill-by-catholic-nuns