October 25th 2024.
Medical experts are reassuring women in Australia who use IUDs (intrauterine devices) for managing endometriosis that they need not be afraid. This comes after a recent international study caused some concern by linking IUDs to a higher risk of breast cancer. The study, which included 156,000 women aged 15 to 49, was conducted by researchers in Denmark and published in JAMA last week, garnering attention from the media.
According to the study, half of the women observed had an IUD that releases the hormone levonorgestrel, such as the Mirena or Kyleena, and showed an increased rate of breast cancer. The longer they had been using the IUD, the higher the risk. This information was particularly alarming for Australian women, especially the 1 in 7 who live with endometriosis, a chronic reproductive disease for which there is no cure, and who rely on IUDs for management.
However, Dr. Kate Tyson, a Gynaecologist and Director of the Juilia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre at Epworth, wants to reassure these women. In an interview with 9news.com.au, she stated that there is no need for concern among women using IUDs for endometriosis. She also believes that the attention this study has received is due to its alarming nature, as scary things tend to create more buzz.
Dr. Tyson explains that IUDs are a valuable tool for managing symptoms related to endometriosis and other conditions, especially for those who cannot tolerate other methods of management. She also points out that the increase in breast cancer risk mentioned in the study is very small, and it has only been observed in this particular study. Furthermore, the risk is an increase from a very low baseline risk for women in this age group.
Surprisingly, there are other lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and alcohol consumption that have a higher impact on breast cancer risk than IUDs. In fact, the Mirena has even been shown to reduce the risk of other types of cancer, including endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer.
Unfortunately, there has been an increase in misinformation and false information about endometriosis circulating online and in the media. This can make it challenging for those living with the disease to separate fact from fiction. According to Dr. Tyson, a recent study showed that only 19% of surgical posts about endometriosis on social media were factually correct. She warns that it can be challenging to determine the accuracy of the information one reads, and encourages individuals to seek information from reliable sources such as healthcare professionals and reputable endometriosis organizations and institutions.
For anyone with endometriosis in Australia who is concerned about the new study, Dr. Tyson advises speaking with a doctor about individual risks and referring to trusted sources for information. She also suggests following their WhatsApp channel for the latest news and updates without any comments or algorithms. This ensures privacy and reliable information for those seeking it.
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