A new study has found that a specific intrauterine device (IUD) is associated with a greater risk of breast cancer, but not endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, or lung cancers. The researchers examined data from over 93,000 women in Finland who had used the LNG-IUS to treat their menorrhagia. The women ranged in age from 30 to 49 years. The breast cancer rate for the group using the system for menorrhagia control was approximately 19% higher than the breast cancer rate for the general population. No increase in uterine cancer or ovarian, pancreatic, or lung cancers was seen with IUD use. Other factors, beyond the IUD use, could also be at play, especially factors related to the menorrhagia, so a direct link between IUD use and cancer will need to be proven by additional research.

Thoughts health innovators? Continue reading IUD may increase breast cancer risk in certain women.