LNG-IUD and Cancer

Balancing Cancer Risk with Progestogen Therapy

This study aims to evaluate whether the LNG-IUD could be used as a tool for endometrial cancer prevention by evaluating its potential benefits and understanding its relationship with breast cancer risk.

Most endometrial cancer (EC) arises when there is excess estrogen and not enough progesterone. Progestogen hormone therapy is often prescribed to counteract estrogen’s proliferative effects on the endometrium and reduce EC risk. The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) delivers progestogens directly to the endometrium and has been shown to reduce EC risk and treat atypical endometrial hyperplasia and low-grade ECs. However, concerns remain about whether the LNG-IUD may influence breast cancer (BC) risk. .

We are conducting a retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data from British Columbia to evaluate the association between LNG-IUD use the incidence of breast and endometrial cancer. This research will provide population-level evidence on the balance between potential protective effects of LNG-IUDs against EC and their potential impact on BC risk, informing future prevention and treatment strategies.