14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists predicted that in about 5 years, new contraceptive medication that protects against breast cancer will be available. Among these, the controversial abortion drug RU486 seems to reduce the risk of breast cancer and blood clots, while also getting rid of pre-menstrual syndrome.
Current pills contain either estrogen and progesterone or just progesterone. The pills which contain both substances protect against ovarian tumors, but also increase the risk of breast cancer. The one with progesterone is less effective and among its side effects is heavy bleeding.
As for the new pill, the trials involved about 200 women and showed that RU486 has the same efficiency of preventing pregnancy as normal contraceptive pills; the pill might also be safer because it does not contain estrogen. If the results will be confirmed by further studies, this drug will be a safer and more reliable method for women to control their fertility.
The pill, approved in the U.S. and Britain, but not in Australia, is a good alternative to surgical abortions. With the help of a chemical called mifepristone, it blocks the action of progesterone, needed by the body to ovulate and support a pregnancy. Mifepristone, also known as RU486, is sold for abortions and, in doses 100 times lower, for contraception.
"Certain breast cancer studies suggest that progesterone can promote cancer as well as estrogen," David Baird, Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Edinburgh, said. "There are also some preliminary clinical data on women with advanced breast cancer which suggests that this could be helpful."