Ilic, Milena (7102981394)Milena (7102981394)IlicMilicic, Biljana (6603829143)Biljana (6603829143)MilicicIlic, Irena (57210823522)Irena (57210823522)Ilic2025-06-122025-06-122021https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v27.i20.2643https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85106389698&doi=10.3748%2fwjg.v27.i20.2643&partnerID=40&md5=fccbbd8500f9c0742f5f50db0c471de3https://remedy.med.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/4206BACKGROUND Studies on the association of oral contraceptive (OC) use and pancreatic cancer showed inconsistent findings. AIM To evaluate the relationship between OC use and pancreatic cancer risk. METHODS A literature search for observational studies (case-control and cohort studies) was conducted up to December 2020. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's chi-square test and I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses were performed by study design, source of controls in case-control studies, number of cases of pancreatic cancers, study quality according to Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score, geographical region and menopausal status. All analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). RESULTS A total of 21 studies (10 case-control studies and 11 cohort studies) were finally included in the present meta-analysis, comprising 7700 cases of pancreatic cancer in total. A significant association was observed between the ever use of OC and pancreatic cancer risk in the overall analysis (RR = 0.85; 95%CI = 0.73-0.98; P = 0.03). Duration of OC use (< 1 year, < 5 years, 5-10 years, > 10 years) was not significantly associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Subgroup analyses revealed a statistically significant subgroup difference for the geographic region in which the study was conducted (Europe vs Americas vs Asia; P = 0.07). Subgroup analyses showed a statistically significant decrease in pancreatic cancer risk and OC use in high-quality studies, studies conducted in Europe, and in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION Despite the suggested protective effects of OC use in this meta-analysis, further epidemiological studies are warranted to fully elucidate the association between the use of OC and pancreatic cancer risk. © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.MetaanalysisOral contraceptivesPancreatic cancerReviewRisk assessmentRisk factors