Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) encompasses both non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. While diet remains the main factor influencing CRC risk, hormonal and reproductive factors have also demonstrated a potential impact on CRC risk. This study aims to explore the relationship between oral contraceptives (OC) use and Colorectal cancer risk among Moroccan women. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study included 300 participants, divided into 150 cases and 150 controls matched by age (± 3 years). Through a face-to-face interview with trained investigators, we collected data on oral contraceptives use among participants. we performed conditional logistic regression to estimate Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), to elaborate a basic model and adjusted model for confounding factors to assess the relationship between OC use and CRC risk. RESULTS: An inverse correlation was observed between OC use and CRC risk with OR(2):0.57 (0.36-0.92), using OC at younger ages (≤24 years) for a longer period (>8 years) was also associated with a decreased risk of CRC, with OR(2): 0.52 (0.31-0.89) and OR(2): 0.43 (0.26-0.79), respectively. this association was consistent across all tumor location in the adjusted model, with OR(2): 0.54 (0.27-0.98) for colon cancer, OR(2): 0.47 (0.21-0.96) for rectal cancer, and OR(2): 0.35 (0.12-0.9) for colorectal cancer. Furthermore, combined oral contraceptives use significantly reduced CRC risk, with OR(2): 0.42 (0.21-0.75), whereas no significant reduction was observed with progestin-only pills with OR(2): 0.64 (0.32-1.17). CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the potential role of reproductive and hormone factors, such as oral contraceptive use, in reducing colorectal cancer risk, particularly for combined oral contraceptives initiated in a younger age, also the importance of incorporating reproductive and hormone factors in future research in Morocco, providing a broader understanding of colorectal cancer prevention strategies.