Are Hormonal Contraceptives Linked to Breast Cancer? We Asked an Expert

Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by millions of women worldwide to prevent pregnancy and manage reproductive health. Yet, they remain a topic of concern and confusion when it comes to their safety, especially regarding breast cancer risk. Some fear that using hormonal birth control may increase their chances of developing breast cancer, but separating facts from myths is key to making informed decisions. 

To understand this complex issue better, we reached out to Dr Sweta Kumar, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, Pune, for expert insights on the latest research and what women should know before choosing these contraceptives.

New Evidence from The New England Journal of Medicine

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported a 13% increased risk of breast cancer after 10 years of hormonal contraceptive use. This finding aligns with prior studies showing a modest increase in breast cancer among users, depending on the duration and type of contraceptive.

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Myths and Misunderstandings

One big myth says, “If you take hormonal contraceptives, you’re absolutely at high risk of breast cancer.” That over-simplifies things. Here are some facts that help make sense of it:

• Hormonal methods can slightly raise relative risk, but absolute risk often remains small.
• The risk varies depending on the type of hormone, duration of use, age, and other risk factors (like family history).
• Hormonal contraceptives also protect against certain other cancers (ovarian, endometrial).
• Stopping use often reduces the elevated risk over time.

Understanding the Risk and Connection

Dr Sweta Kumar shares, “Breast cancer has become one of the most rapidly rising health hazards among women around the world. Studies show that women currently using hormonal contraceptives face a 20-60% increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who don’t use them.” She stresses the importance of perspective: “The absolute risk remains small for each individual, but the risk increases with longer use.”

Dr Kumar points out that the risk can also depend on the hormonal formulation. “Certain combined estrogen-progestin pills and some progestin-only contraceptives, like those with desogestrel, are more closely associated with increased risk than others.”

Importantly, she adds, “Fortunately, this elevated risk usually goes down once a woman stops using these contraceptives.”

The Bigger Picture: Risks, Benefits, and Making Informed Choices

The relationship between hormonal birth control and cancer is complex. Dr Kumar notes, “While there may be some increased breast cancer risk, hormonal contraceptives also have protective effects against ovarian and endometrial cancers.” She explains, “This shows that hormonal contraceptives influence women’s health in nuanced ways.”

She advises every woman to consider:

• Personal and family health history
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and diet
• The type of contraceptive method being considered

She says, “The goal is not to cause alarm but to help women make informed decisions. Every medical choice has trade-offs, and it’s crucial to weigh them carefully for long-term health.”

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Conclusion

Hormonal contraceptives remain a safe and effective choice for many women. While there is a small increased risk of breast cancer associated with long-term use, this risk usually decreases after stopping the pills. Given their protective effects against some other cancers and benefits for reproductive health, it’s important to openly discuss all factors with healthcare providers. As Dr Sweta Kumar advises, understanding the full picture helps women choose wisely and maintain their health over time.