Past breast cancer and CHC — DFSRH MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardUKMECPast breast cancer and CHCDFSRH

A 44-year-old woman had breast cancer treated 8 years ago and has no recurrence. She requests the combined pill for heavy bleeding and contraception. What is the UKMEC category for CHC?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — UKMEC 3

A past history of breast cancer with no recurrence for more than 5 years remains a situation where hormonal contraception is generally not recommended, commonly UKMEC 3 rather than routine use. Current breast cancer would be UKMEC 4, which is the tempting overcall here. Mammography surveillance does not make CHC unrestricted. The pearl is to distinguish current disease from past disease, while still respecting hormone sensitivity concerns.

Reference: UKMEC 2025; FSRH Guidance: Contraception After Breast Cancer