A GP has urged women who take a common pill to make sure they aware of the risks. A recent study has renewed discussion about the link between cancer and the contraceptive pill as data shows a 598% increase in Google searches.
GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Dr Sabah Salman said: “The contraceptive pill (‘the pill’ for short) is a type of hormonal contraceptive which comes in tablet form and is taken orally to prevent pregnancy.”
“There are two types of contraceptive pills. The combined pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen and prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It also thickens the fluid around the cervix, preventing sperm entry and thins the womb lining, reducing the chance of an egg attaching.”
“As the name suggests, the progestogen-only pill or ‘mini pill’ contains just progestogen. This works similarly to the hormone progesterone to prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries each cycle.”
“Breast cancer is rare in young women, who are most likely to take the pill. However, taking either the combined pill and the mini pill increases the risk of breast cancer by a small amount.”
“It’s estimated that there will be an extra 8 cases of breast cancer for every 100,000 women who take the pill between the ages of 16 and 20 and an extra 265 cases for every 100,000 women who take the pill between the ages of 35 and 39.”
“It’s also important to note it only lasts while someone is taking the pill. After you stop taking it, the increase in risk slowly disappears.”
“While more research is certainly required, early research suggests that taking the combined pill may be linked with a slightly increased risk of cervical cancer with the risk increasing the longer you’re on the pill. Ten years after stopping the pill though, a person’s risk is no longer increased, as if the pill was never used.”
“Taking the pill can also reduce the risk of some cancers, such as bowel cancer. We know that taking the combined pill can lower the risk of ovarian and womb cancers. This reduced risk remains even after you stop taking the combined pill.”
“Some small studies suggest the mini pill may also decrease the risk of womb cancer. However, more research is needed before we can definitively say this.”
“While it’s true that the contraceptive pill can slightly increase your risk of some types of cancer, it’s important to weigh these risks up against all the benefits of the pill.”
“There are many different types of contraception available and I’d recommend discussing with your doctor who can help you make an informed decision about what is right for you, taking into account your family medical history.”
“It’s important to remember that there are other things that affect your risk of cancer more than the pill. Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking less alcohol are more effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer.”