Reduced risk of endometrial cancer is a health benefit associated with which form of contraception?

• A. Intrauterine device
• B. Combined hormonal contraception
• C. Progestin-only contraception
• D. Barrier methods

Answer: (B)

When endometrial cancer risk is considered, the key factor is how much the endometrium is exposed to estrogen without opposition. Estrogen stimulates endometrial proliferation, which can increase cancer risk. A combined hormonal contraception delivers both estrogen and progestin, and the progestin component counteracts estrogen’s effects on the endometrium. It promotes a thinner, less proliferative lining and supports regular shedding, reducing the likelihood of hyperplasia and malignant transformation. In addition, these regimens suppress ovulation, which lowers endogenous estrogen fluctuations over time. Because of this dual action—direct endometrial protection by progestin and reduced estrogen exposure—combined hormonal contraception is the form most consistently associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk. Barrier methods and non-hormonal IUDs don’t confer hormonal protection to the endometrium, while progestin-only methods do offer some protection but are not as consistently emphasized for endometrial cancer risk reduction as the combined hormonal approach.