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UKMEC current breast cancer Cu-IUD — DFSRH MCQ

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HardUKMECUKMEC current breast cancer Cu-IUDDFSRH

A 41-year-old with newly diagnosed breast cancer needs reliable contraception before chemotherapy. She has heavy periods and iron-deficiency anaemia. Considering current breast cancer alone, what is the UKMEC category for a copper IUD?

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

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Correct answer: B — UKMEC 1 for breast-cancer safety alone

The best answer is “UKMEC 1 for breast-cancer safety alone”. Current breast cancer is UKMEC 1 for a copper IUD; it does not restrict its use on cancer-safety grounds. The patient’s heavy bleeding and anaemia remain important separate counselling issues because a copper IUD can increase menstrual blood loss. A levonorgestrel IUD, in contrast, is UKMEC 4 in current breast cancer.

Reference: CoSRH, UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use 2025: https://www.cosrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/UKMEC_2025.pdf