In a study comparing cervical cancer rates, what would be the estimated relative risk among women who have had a tubal ligation compared to those using oral contraceptives?

The estimated relative risk of 0.17 suggests that women who have undergone tubal ligation have a significantly lower incidence of cervical cancer compared to those using oral contraceptives. This finding is consistent with research indicating that tubal ligation may be associated with a protective effect against cervical cancer.

The biology behind this association involves the role of hormonal influences in cervical carcinogenesis. Oral contraceptives can alter the cervical environment and hormonal milieu, potentially leading to changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer, while tubal ligation effectively eliminates the possibility of pregnancy and the associated hormonal fluctuations from ovulation and menstruation.

Thus, a relative risk of 0.17 indicates that women with a history of tubal ligation have only 17% of the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to those using oral contraceptives, demonstrating a notable protective association of tubal ligation against the risk of cervical cancer. This stark contrast may help in understanding the different risk profiles associated with these methods of contraception and their implications for women's health.