top of page
Search

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer?

Wondering if birth control pills could be linked to cancer? It is a question that pops up often, especially when you’re scrolling through social media or chatting with friends. Maybe you’ve heard whispers about cancer risks or wondered if these tiny pills could harm your body in the long run. With so much information out there - some reliable, some not - it is natural to feel a bit unsure.

The good news? Science has some clear answers, and we’re here to break it all down for you in a way that’s easy to understand.

Key Takeaways:

  • What are Birth Control Pills? Birth control pills are an oral method to prevent pregnancy that contain hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) to prevent ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. They are over 99% effective when used perfectly.

  • Protective Effects Against Cancer: Studies have shown that birth control pills reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50% and endometrial cancer by 30-50%, with protection lasting for decades after stopping use.

  • Slight Increase in Cancer Risks: Research says that there is a small increase in breast cancer risk and cervical cancer risk, but these risks decline after stopping the pills.

  • Balancing Risks and Benefits: The benefits of birth control pills, such as cancer protection and pregnancy prevention, often outweigh the risks. Consult a doctor for more personalised advice.

What are the Birth Control Pills?

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer? what are birth control pills? what is the relation between birth control pills and cancer risk?
Image by Freepik

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are an oral method of preventing pregnancy, which are taken daily. These tablets contain hormones that mimic natural hormones in the body - estrogen and/or progesterone.

There are two primary types of birth control pills: Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCPs) and Progestin-Only Pills (POPs). COCPs include both estrogen and progestin, synthetic versions of hormones produced by the ovaries. POPs contain only progestin.

COCPs are more common, but POPs suit those unable to take estrogen, such as during breastfeeding or with certain health conditions. Understanding their mechanics helps clarify their safety and role in health discussions.

Both COCPS and POPs function by preventing ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary each month. They thicken the mucus in the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thin the uterine lining to prevent the fertilised egg from implanting on the wall of the uterus. Their effectiveness exceeds 99% when used perfectly, as confirmed by extensive research (World Health Organization, 2023).

What is the Relation between Birth Control Pills and Cancer?

While concerns about birth control pills and cancer risk have been widely discussed, research reveals a more nuanced picture. Birth control pills may influence cancer risk in different ways, offering protection against some cancers while slightly increasing the risk of others.

Below, we explore the evidence in detail, focusing on the protective effects against ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as the potential risks associated with breast and cervical cancers.

Protective Effects: Reduced Risk of Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers

One of the most well-documented benefits of birth control pills is their ability to reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly ovarian and endometrial cancers. These protective effects are supported by decades of research and are linked to the hormonal mechanisms of birth control pills.

Ovarian Cancer

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer? what is the relation between birth control pills and cancer risk? protective effects: reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers ovarian cancer endometrial cancer , uterine cancer

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to a lack of early symptoms. Studies have consistently shown that the use of birth control pills significantly reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.

A 2017 study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who used oral contraceptives for 5-10 years experienced up to a 50% reduction in ovarian cancer risk (Iversen et al., 2017, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology). This protective effect persists for decades after discontinuation, with some studies estimating a some reduction in risk for each year of use (Gierisch et al., 2013, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention).

The mechanism behind this protection lies in the suppression of ovulation. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg, causing minor tissue damage that can lead to cellular repair and division. Over time, this repeated process may increase the likelihood of mutations and abnormal cell growth. By preventing ovulation, birth control pills reduce this stress on the ovaries, thereby lowering the risk of cancer.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus, is another cancer for which birth control pills offer significant protection. The progestin component in combined oral contraceptives (COCPs) counteracts the effects of estrogen, which can otherwise promote the thickening of the uterine lining and increase cancer risk.

A 2006 study in Obstetrics & Gynecology highlighted that the risk of endometrial cancer is reduced by up to 30-50% with long-term use of oral contraceptive pills, and this protection lasts for years after discontinuation.

The hormonal balance provided by birth control pills helps maintain a thinner endometrial lining, reducing the likelihood of abnormal cell growth. This is particularly important for women at higher risk of endometrial cancer, such as those with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Potential Risks: A Slight Increase in Breast and Cervical Cancer Risk

While birth control pills offer protection against some cancers, they have also been associated with a modest increase in the risk of others, particularly breast and cervical cancers. These risks are generally small and depend on factors such as duration of use and individual health history.

Breast Cancer

Do Birth Control Pills Cause Cancer? what is the relation between birth control pills and cancer risk? protective effects: reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers ovarian cancer endometrial cancer uterine cancer breast cancer cervical cancer

Research indicates that the use of birth control pills may be associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk. A study reported that current and recent users of hormonal contraceptives had a 24% higher relative risk of developing breast cancer compared to non-users. However, this translates to only about 1 additional case of breast cancer per 1,000 women after 10 years of use (US National Cancer Institute, 2021).

The increased risk is thought to be linked to the estrogen and progestin in birth control pills, which can stimulate the growth of breast tissue and potentially lead to mutations over time. Importantly, this risk appears to be temporary, peaking during use and gradually returning to baseline levels within 10 years of discontinuation. Factors such as age, family history, and genetic predisposition may also influence individual risk.

Cervical Cancer

Long-term use of birth control pills (5 years or more) has been associated with a slight increase in cervical cancer risk. This risk is thought to be related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. Hormonal contraceptives may alter the local immune environment or promote the persistence of HPV in cervical cells, increasing the likelihood of cancerous changes.

However, the absolute increase in risk is small, with studies estimating an additional 10 cases per 10,000 women over a decade of use. Regular cervical cancer screening, such as Pap tests and HPV testing, can effectively detect precancerous changes early, mitigating this risk.

Conclusion

Birth control pills are a highly effective contraceptive method with both protective and potential risks related to cancer. Studies show that they significantly reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, offering long-term benefits. While there is a slight increase in breast and cervical cancer risks, these are small and manageable with regular screenings. The decision to use birth control pills should be based on individual health factors and risks. Always consult with a doctor to make an informed decision.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Are birth control pills safe for long-term use?

    Yes, for most women, birth control pills are safe for long-term use. Consult your doctor for more personalised advice.

  • Can I use birth control pills if I have a family history of cancer?

    It depends on the type of cancer and your personal health. Discuss your family history with a doctor to determine the best contraceptive option for you.

  • Do birth control pills affect fertility after stopping?

    No, birth control pills do not affect fertility. Most women can conceive shortly after discontinuing use.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

Comments

bottom of page