Combined birth‑control pills raise breast and cervical cancer risk but cut ovarian and uterine cancers

Combined oral contraceptive pills slightly raise the chance of breast and cervical cancer while lowering ovarian and uterine cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute says these pills contain synthetic female hormones and are taken to prevent pregnancy. Dr Asha Dalal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, notes that the protective effect on ovarian and endometrial cancers can continue after a woman stops the pill, and that choice of contraception should consider age, health history, risk factors and family‑planning goals, not just cancer fear. Dr Asma Pathan, cancer physician at M|O|C Cancer Care Pune, adds that the modest increase in breast and cervical cancer risk is mainly seen during current or recent use, and that the benefit of reduced ovarian and endometrial cancers lasts for years after stopping. She advises Indian women to weigh age, family history, HPV status and screening habits before deciding. Dr Anita Soni, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, reports that breast cancer risk rises by about 20‑30 % for pill users, but the absolute risk stays low, especially in younger women, and returns to normal roughly a decade after the pill is stopped. She explains that the pill can heighten cervical cancer risk in women already infected with high‑risk HPV if used for five years or more, but the risk falls once the pill is discontinued. The same experts highlight that the pills cut ovarian and endometrial cancer risk by 30‑50 % and also help with heavy periods, PCOS and endometriosis. They stress that personal medical counselling is essential to balance these modest risks and benefits.

Context

The cancer risk changes are linked to how synthetic hormones interact with existing conditions such as HPV infection, and the long‑term protection against ovarian and uterine cancers is a well‑documented effect of combined pills.