Alert!! Birth Control Pills May Raise Breast Cancer Risk, Says Study
Hormonal contraceptives — including combined estrogen-progestogen pills and progestogen-only methods — have long been staples of women’s reproductive health. But a major study from University of Oxford now indicates that any type of hormonal contraceptive use may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer by about 20-30 %. University of Oxford+2Deutsche Welle+2
Key Findings
- The study found that current or recent use of hormonal contraceptives was linked to higher breast cancer risk, whether the method used was a combined pill, progestogen-only pill, injection or progestogen-releasing IUD. University of Oxford+1
- In absolute numbers: for women aged 16-20 who used hormonal contraception for five years, there were about 8 extra breast cancer cases per 100,000 users. For women aged 35-39, the estimate rose to about 265 extra cases per 100,000 users. The Times of India
- The risk appears to diminish over time after stopping use. Cancer.gov+1
What This Means for Women
While the relative increase (20-30%) might sound concerning, experts emphasize:
- The absolute risk remains small, especially at younger ages. Deutsche Welle+1
- The benefits of birth control (preventing unwanted pregnancy, managing menstrual disorders) still often outweigh the risks — but discussion with a healthcare provider is crucial. WebMD
- If you have additional risk factors (strong family history of breast cancer, BRCA gene mutations), you should ask your gynaecologist about your contraceptive options. Breast Cancer.org
What Women Should Ask Their Doctor
- What type of contraception is best for me, given my age, health history and cancer risk?
- Are there non-hormonal alternatives that fit my needs?
- How often should I undergo screening for breast cancer if I’m using hormonal contraception?
- What signs & symptoms should I watch for with regard to breast health?
Role of Unnati Pharmax & Women’s Health
At Unnati Pharmax, we are committed to women’s health by offering bulk and single-order supply of women’s healthcare medicines including contraceptives, hormone therapies, and supportive oncology products. If you are a pharmacy, distributor, hospital or clinic seeking quality supply of women’s health medications, we provide global export solutions.
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