Do Birth Control Pills Cause Breast Cancer?

Duly Care
May 25
5 min read

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are one of the most popular ways to prevent pregnancy. These are over 99% effective when taken correctly and consistently. Millions of women rely on these every day. But many have wondered: can these pills increase the risk of breast cancer?

This question often causes fear, especially for women who’ve been using the pills for many years or those with a family history of cancer. In this blog, we’ll break the topic down in simple terms - what birth control pills are, what breast cancer is, and how the two may or may not be linked.

Key Takeaways:

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that happens when cells in the breast start growing in an uncontrolled way. It can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Some risk factors include family history, age, hormone levels, and lifestyle.
Birth control pills are hormonal medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of natural hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Studies show a small, temporary increase in the risk of breast cancer while using birth control pills. The risk begins to go down after stopping the pill use and returns to normal within about 5-10 years.
The decision to use birth control pills is personal. For most healthy women, the benefits outweigh the small risk. However, if you have a higher risk of breast cancer, talk to a doctor about other options.

Understanding the Basics

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. It occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a lump or mass, and in some cases, may spread to other parts of the body.

Several factors can influence the risk of developing breast cancer, including:

Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
Family history: Having a first-degree relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer.
Hormonal factors: Exposure to certain hormones over time can affect the risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle choices: Factors like alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity can contribute to the risk of getting cancer.

Understanding these factors is crucial when considering how the birth control pill might influence the risk of breast cancer.

What are Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are hormonal medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These pills contain synthetic versions of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can regulate the menstrual cycle and play a role in fertility.

There are two main types of birth control pills:

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCPs): COCPs contain both estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). These are the most commonly used pill type.
Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): Also known as mini-pills, POPs contain only progestin and are often recommended for women who cannot take estrogen due to medical reasons.

The Link Between Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer

Role of Hormones in Breast Development

Hormones, especially estrogen, play an important role in how breast tissue develops. Estrogen helps breast cells grow - both during normal development and, in some cases, during the early stages of cancer. The more estrogen the breast tissue is exposed to over a lifetime, the higher the risk of breast cancer. This is why starting periods early, going through menopause late, or never having children are all linked to slightly higher risks - they all involve more years of estrogen exposure.

So when birth control pills, particularly COCPs, add extra estrogen into the body, even in small amounts, it makes sense to wonder whether that might affect the chances of getting breast cancer.

Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer

Researchers have studied the link between birth control pills and breast cancer for decades. Studies have shown that using the birth control pill slightly increases the risk of breast cancer while it is being used. But this increase is small, and the risk goes back to normal over time after stopping the pill use.

One large study found that for every 10,000 women taking the pills for a year, about 13 developed breast cancer, compared to 9 out of 10,000 who don’t take the pills. That’s a difference of about 4 extra cases per 10,000 women per year.

The increased risk may sound scary, but in real numbers, it is a very small change. And more importantly, the risk starts to fade after stopping the pills, and within about 5-10 years, it becomes the same as in women who have never used it at all.

It is also worth noting that while birth control pills slightly raise the risk of breast cancer, these lower the risk of other cancers, such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. When weighing the overall impact, the pill has both benefits and risks, which should be discussed with a doctor when deciding whether to use birth control pills.

Regular self-checks, paying attention to changes, and going for recommended screenings help in catching any problems early, whether or not you’re using birth control pills.

Conclusion

Deciding to use birth control pills is a personal choice. It involves looking at your health, your goals, and what works best for your body. If you’re at higher risk for breast cancer because of your family history or other factors, your doctor might suggest other types of birth control that don’t contain hormones.

For most healthy women, however, the benefits of the pills outweigh the small temporary increase in risk of breast cancer. Still, it is always a good idea to talk to a trusted doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are mini-pills safer than the combined pill when it comes to the risk of breast cancer?
Some studies suggest that progestin-only pills (mini-pill) may carry a slightly lower risk than combined oral contraceptive pills, but research on this is limited. Speak to your doctor to find out the best pill for you.
Does stopping birth control pills lower your risk of breast cancer immediately?
The slightly elevated risk of breast cancer begins to go down after stopping the pills and usually returns to the baseline risk within about 5-10 years.
If I have a family history of breast cancer, should I avoid birth control pills?
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may be advised to use non-hormonal methods. It’s best to consult a doctor for a personalised recommendation.
Are there safer birth control options for women concerned about breast cancer?
Yes, non-hormonal methods like condoms and copper IUDs may be better choices for women who are concerned about breast cancer. Consult a doctor before using a contraceptive method.
Do birth control pills cause non-cancerous lumps in the breasts?
Birth control pills can change the way breasts feel. Many women notice more fullness, tenderness in the breasts. Some women may develop small non-cancerous lumps called fibroadenomas, which are soft and movable under the skin. These are not dangerous, but they should still be checked by a doctor to be safe.

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.