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birth control pills and germ cell ovarian cancer recurrence
I was diagnosed with stage 1-C germ cell ovarian cancer on my left ovary in August 2006. I underwent surgery to remove the said ovary, 3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, and was declared by my oncologist to be cured. All of my routine exams (alpha-fetoprotein, CA125, CT scans) since then, the most recent of which was in October 2008, have turned up clear of any recurrence.
My main concern as of the moment is related to my resumption of my intake of birth control pills (Diane 35, which I started taking again in October of this year) as per my dermatologist's recommendation due to my persistent acne. I consulted with my gynecologist, who is aware of my case, if it would be safe to take it again, and he said yes. However, I read on the information sheet included in the box of the pills that it should not be taken "If you have or have had a cancer that may grow under the influence of sex hormones (e.g. of the breast or the genital organs)," and I am afraid that my cancer would come back if I prolong my use of it. In hindsight, I suspect that my intake of Diane 35 a few months before my cancer was discovered a couple of years ago could have accelerated the growth of the tumor. I am now on my second pack of BCPs and am wondering whether I should stop.
My main concern as of the moment is related to my resumption of my intake of birth control pills (Diane 35, which I started taking again in October of this year) as per my dermatologist's recommendation due to my persistent acne. I consulted with my gynecologist, who is aware of my case, if it would be safe to take it again, and he said yes. However, I read on the information sheet included in the box of the pills that it should not be taken "If you have or have had a cancer that may grow under the influence of sex hormones (e.g. of the breast or the genital organs)," and I am afraid that my cancer would come back if I prolong my use of it. In hindsight, I suspect that my intake of Diane 35 a few months before my cancer was discovered a couple of years ago could have accelerated the growth of the tumor. I am now on my second pack of BCPs and am wondering whether I should stop.
Hi,
Not sure if this helps at all but my two gyno oncologists both told me to stay on the pill for ovarian cancer and that it can prevent or slow the growth of the disease? However, mine is not as strong as dianne 35 as that upsets me too much. Just double check with your specialist. best of luck.
Mel
Not sure if this helps at all but my two gyno oncologists both told me to stay on the pill for ovarian cancer and that it can prevent or slow the growth of the disease? However, mine is not as strong as dianne 35 as that upsets me too much. Just double check with your specialist. best of luck.
Mel
This might be a good question for the doctor. Go down to the right of this page under "Related Expert Forum" Ovarian Cancer. I also have acne and I'm 52. I've had it all my life. Not bad, but enough to use Retin-A. Have you tried that? If it were me, just reading the warning label would be the reason to stop! I don't know anything about Germ Cell Ovarian but this disease is a sneaky ugly disease and I wouldn't mess with it. I'm very happy for your prognosis. Hope your dance with NED is forever!!! ...Cindy
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