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Cancer Risk Profile of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Device: A Narrative Review
Utku Akgör1, Bilal Esat Temiz1, Hasan Volkan Ege1
1Division of Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Türkiye.
Cancers
|August 13, 2026
Summary
The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) significantly lowers endometrial cancer risk and may protect against ovarian cancer. Breast cancer risk is uncertain, requiring personalized patient counseling.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is a common contraceptive and treatment for gynecological conditions.
- Systemic levonorgestrel exposure from LNG-IUDs prompts investigation into cancer risk.
- This review examines LNG-IUD use and risks of various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize and critically evaluate evidence on LNG-IUD use and cancer risk.
- To assess associations with gynecologic, breast, and selected non-gynecologic cancers.
- To provide an oncological safety profile of the LNG-IUD.
Main Methods:
- Structured narrative review by an expert multidisciplinary group.
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus.
- Prioritization of high-quality epidemiological studies including cohorts, registries, case-controls, and meta-analyses.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence shows a substantial reduction in endometrial cancer risk with LNG-IUD use.
- A potential protective association is suggested for ovarian cancer.
- Evidence for breast cancer risk is mixed; no clear increase in cervical cancer risk is observed.
Conclusions:
- The LNG-IUD demonstrates a favorable oncological safety profile.
- Significant reduction in endometrial cancer risk and potential ovarian cancer protection are key findings.
- Personalized counseling is recommended for breast cancer risk due to heterogeneous evidence.
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