A case-control study in Mumbai investigates the association between oral contraceptive use and venous thromboembolism (VTE) among women aged 20–45 years. Researchers identify 150 women with VTE (cases) and 300 women without VTE (controls). Among the cases, 90 used oral contraceptives; among the controls, 60 used oral contraceptives. The study calculates an odds ratio of 3.0. A junior epidemiologist incorrectly states that this means 'women using oral contraceptives are 3 times more likely to develop VTE compared to non-users.' Which of the following best explains why this interpretation is misleading?