Birth control pills and cancer risk: 6 things you should know

How hormonal birth control can affect a woman's cancer risk. However, hormonal and other forms of birth control pills can also significantly reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Here are 6 things you should know about taking birth control pills to get cancer?

Experts explain that hormonal birth control and even some non-hormonal birth control methods can all impact cancer risk. The two most common hormonal birth control options for women are:
Birth control pills, which usually contain the hormones estrogen and progestin combined. The pill helps regulate a woman's monthly cycle and prevent ovulation. Hormonal IUDs contain only the hormone progestin (IUDs). These are small metal or plastic devices that are inserted into the uterus by a gynecologist to prevent pregnancy. The hormonal IUD causes cervical mucus to thicken, disrupting the passage of sperm. The device also thins the endometrium, which prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. Although the approaches are different, both the pill and the hormonal ring contain the same synthetic hormones. These hormones can increase your risk of some gynecological cancers, but they also help protect you from others.

Both hormonal contraceptives and hormonal IUDs can significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. According to doctors, taking hormonal birth control pills can actually reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50%. Even this protective effect persisted for many years after stopping the drug. Oral tablets can also significantly reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Because the hormonal IUD thins the lining of the uterus, doctors can sometimes use it to prevent or even treat early-stage endometrial cancer. Like the pill, the hormonal IUD also works to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

The link between birth control pills and breast cancer risk is currently controversial, studies are still being done to revisit this issue again and again.
So taking birth control pills can cause cancer? Birth control pills can increase the risk of partial breast cancer, especially for women who are currently using or new to oral contraceptives. Any risk will decrease over time after stopping the drug.
Experts say not many people recognize the link between the hormonal IUD and breast cancer risk because it's still unclear.

Experts recommend that women in their late 40s and 50s who are taking hormonal birth control pills talk to their doctor about the health risks. Recent data suggest an increased risk of breast cancer in older women who are using hormonal drugs for birth control.

Hormonal contraceptives and hormonal IUDs are often not a good choice for women with hormone-sensitive cancers - such as breast cancer, because they can stimulate the growth of tumor cells u . These types of birth control can also increase your risk of other health problems, including blood clots and stroke. It's important to discuss this with your oncologist if you've been diagnosed with hormone-sensitive cancer so you can better understand the health risks and benefits of using birth control.
However, a hormone-free IUD will not increase the risk of cancer. What's more, studies have shown that copper IUDs can actually reduce the risk of cervical and endometrial cancer, although it's not clear why.

Women who are prone to gynecological cancers due to BRCA mutations or Lynch syndrome may be able to reduce their cancer risk by using the pill or hormonal IUD.
Doctors recommend that women with a genetic risk of cancer ask their gynecologist about the best method of birth control. The potential increased risk of breast cancer may be associated with long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, so other benefits and risk factors should be carefully considered.
In a nutshell, hormonal methods of birth control, including the hormonal contraceptive pill, always come with risks and benefits. If you're worried about birth control pills causing cancer, consult your doctor directly to find the birth control method that works best for you.
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Reference source: mskcc.org