Is There a Cancer Risk with Taking the Birth Control Pill?
It is natural to worry about long-term health effects of any medication. Over the years, questions have come up about whether hormonal birth control raises cancer risk. Although the birth control pill has been around since 1960, only recently has it been studied extensively for its long term health effects. Recent findings have come out about the ways it changes who women are attracted to, its link to depression and blood clots, the way women process stress, and even its connection to heart attacks and strokes.
For some time, the medical world has classified oral birth control as a carcinogen, but the news has been circling around the media again. Here’s a lowdown on what you need to know about the carcinogenic classification.
Research Findings on Cancer Risks and Benefits
Major health organizations have studied birth control pills for decades. Some studies hint at small increases in certain cancers. Other studies show a protective effect against other cancer types. Here are key points from trusted sources:
- Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies are classified as carcinogenic to humans (group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a sub organization of the World Health Organization. Group one is the level with the highest certainty of a connection to cancer. This is the same classification as tobacco, asbestos and UV light.
- Breast cancer: Rise in risk (20-30%) while using the pill. Risk returns to normal about 10 years after stopping.
- Cervical cancer: increased risk with long-term (5 years or more) use. The longer a woman is using oral birth control, the more the risk for cervical cancer rises. Pap tests and HPV vaccines help catch any abnormalities soon.
- Ovarian and endometrial cancer: Significant protective effect. Women who use the pill often lower their risk of these cancers by up to 50 percent.
Overall, the long-term benefits of preventing some cancers may outweigh the small increased risk of others. But every woman’s health history is different and what everyone is comfortable with is different. Always discuss your personal situation with a healthcare provider.
Why Does the Risk for Cancer Go Up?
The short answer is – more research needs to be done. Current theories suggest that the synthetic estrogen and progestin that are in hormonal birth control cause rapid growth and development of certain cancer cells in the body. Additionally, it is thought that the birth control pill causes certain cells to become more susceptible to HPV, which is the cause of nearly all cervical cancer cases. Although no one knows for sure, it is clear that the synthetic hormones alter women’s health.
Factors to discuss with your healthcare provider
If you are unsure about taking hormonal birth control, or are looking for alternatives, it is always best to speak to a healthcare professional. When you talk with a clinician, you can cover topics like:
- Family history of cancer
- Personal medical conditions such as high blood pressure or blood clots
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and exercise
- How long you plan to use hormonal birth control
Support from Sienna Women’s Health
At Sienna Woman’s Health we provide free and confidential services. Our trained staff can help you access reliable medical information and community resources. We offer:
- Pregnancy testing and options education
- Referrals for medical care and counseling
- Classes on pregnancy, parenting, and reproductive health
We are here to walk with you without judgment. If you have questions about your reproductive health or need additional resources, reach out to Sienna Women’s Health. We care about your health and future.