Oral Contraceptives Have a Relative Risk of Breast Cancer
Since years oral contraceptives have become the most popular & effective form of birth control. Association between hormonal contraceptives, estrogen & an increased risk of breast cancer has led to the debate on harmful effects of birth control pills to develop breast cancer. The need for safe & effective birth control is presented by many women. Effective uncomplicated birth control is important, but it should be safe. Birth control pills use hormones to block pregnancy which may over stimulate breast cells, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you have taken contraceptives in the past, you are more prone to breast cancer than women who have never used these pills.
It’s not shocking to know that a low dose combination pill over a long period of time would increase Breast cancer risk. It doesn’t take a very high dose to increase your overall estrogen or progesterone exposure, because people who use contraceptives tend to do since years. Even a small amount in each pill adds up over decades & the longer someone is exposed to these hormones (i.e. estrogen & progesterone) the greater their risk of breast cancer. Any kind of drug that increases your hormone levels could raise your risk of breast cancer. The risk of Breast Cancer depends on age & how long one must have been taking certain contraceptives. The older you are when you are taking it, the higher the risk of breast cancer from taking the Pill. For example, if 50 women took the Pill from when they were 16 till they were 19 years old, one would be diagnosed with breast cancer because of it. But, if the same number of women took the Pill from when they were 25 to when they were 29 years old, nine would get breast cancer because of it.
Older people who are already at an elevated risk for breast cancer may want to avoid even small additional risks. Being young & at extremely low risk of cancer shifts the condition. The increased risk goes away once you are off the contraceptive pills for 10 or more years.
Things that can reduce the risk:
- Reducing the number of years you have been taking birth control pills
- Choosing a non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUDS) which is a reversible form of birth control that is not linked to breast cancer.
Not just breast cancer, taking these birth control pills for more than 5 years can put you at risk of developing cervical cancer too. Small risks of these pills needed to be set against the benefits, which included not only preventing an unwanted pregnancy but also substantial reductions in the risks of ovarian, endometrial & colorectal cancers. So, whenever deciding upon using a birth control option, it is advised to consult a doctor or a Gynae Oncology Specialist. There are many risks to consider other than breast cancer.
Small birth control pills can impact your life in a bigger way to Breast Cancer. Stay alert & aware.
For any related information on Gynecological problems, you may contact Kailash Hospital at a call to 0120-2444444/2466666