A 36-year-old woman with stage 2 breast cancer presents to the nurse practitioner with questions about contraception. Which is the safest contraceptive method for a woman with active breast cancer?

Choice A reason: The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a non-hormonal contraceptive method and is considered the safest option for women with active breast cancer. Since it does not release hormones, it avoids the risk of hormone-sensitive tumor stimulation and provides highly effective long-term contraception. Choice B reason: Progesterone-only pills contain synthetic progestins, which may pose a risk in hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Although they are sometimes used in select cases, they are generally avoided in women with active breast cancer due to potential hormonal influence on tumor growth. Choice C reason: Combined oral contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin, which are contraindicated in women with breast cancer due to their potential to stimulate hormone receptor-positive tumors. This method is not safe for this patient population. Choice D reason: Hormonal implants release progestin over time and are not recommended for women with active breast cancer. Like other hormonal methods, they may increase the risk of cancer progression in hormone-sensitive cases.