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Modern medicine offers numerous ways to prevent unintended pregnancy, and hormonal contraceptives are among the most reliable. However, a significant number of myths surround the use of pills and other types of hormonal contraception, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, and injections. Researchers from the University of Queensland and the Kimberley Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia analyzed this issue. Their findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Hormonal Contraceptives and Cancer Risk
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, oral contraceptives have a complex impact on cancer risk. Researchers analyzed medical records of over 1 million Australian women under the age of 55 between 2002 and 2013. Their study examined the cancer risks associated with birth control pills and long-acting hormonal contraceptives.
Between 2004 and 2013, cancer was diagnosed in 176,000 study participants. The scientists compared the use of hormonal contraceptives among these women with those who did not have cancer.
We found that long-term users of all types of hormonal contraception had around a 70% lower risk of developing endometrial cancer in the years after use. In other words, the risk of developing endometrial cancer is substantially lower among women who took hormonal contraception compared to those who didn’t.
Study Authors
Notably, the researchers observed a 50% reduction in ovarian cancer risk among women who used hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) for an extended period. These contraceptives contain progesterone but no estrogen, which is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Birth Control Pills and Cancer Risk
Oral contraceptives may increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer in the short term but significantly reduce the likelihood of developing ovarian and endometrial cancer. For example, in 2010, contraceptive use prevented over 1,300 cases of ovarian and endometrial cancer. This also averted nearly 500 deaths from these cancers in 2013—a reduction of approximately 25% in deaths that could have occurred that year had women not used the pill.
Our earlier work showed the pill was responsible for preventing far more cancers overall than it contributed to.
Study Authors
At the same time, researchers estimated that contraceptive pills may have caused approximately 15 breast cancer deaths in 2013. This accounts for less than 0.5% of all breast cancer deaths that year. Among women aged 20–39, the risk of breast cancer is about 30 cases per 100,000 individuals annually. Using hormonal contraceptives increases this figure slightly to 36 cases per 100,000.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives and Cancer Risk
The findings indicate that the breast cancer risk associated with long-acting contraceptives is comparable to that of oral contraceptives. However, contraceptive injections are linked to a higher breast cancer risk only after five years of use. Once injections are discontinued, the risk does not increase further. Similarly, the risk of breast cancer decreases after stopping the use of contraceptive implants.
The researchers did not find any connections between contraceptive use and other types of invasive cancer. However, a prior French study established that prolonged use of injectable contraceptives might increase the risk of meningioma—a benign brain tumor. Even so, the risk remains low: meningioma occurs in only two cases per 100,000 women aged 20–39. No association was found between IUD use and meningioma in the French study.
Hormonal Contraceptives: Benefits and Side Effects
Each contraceptive method has its advantages and side effects, but serious complications are rare, researchers emphasize. To learn more about the available contraceptive methods, explore our Complete Guide to Contraception.
A conversation with your doctor about the balance of benefits and side-effects for you is always a good place to start.
Study Authors
Scientists also note that lifestyle factors and harmful habits, such as smoking, significantly affect cancer risk. Addressing these aspects can help reduce risks accordingly.
Regular screenings, particularly after the age of 40, are essential. Breast health should be checked annually. Additionally, all sexually active women, regardless of age, should undergo yearly Pap tests to screen for oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
For personalized advice on contraception and health check-ups, consult the experienced specialists at Lior Medical Center. Call +380 73 200 6198 or contact us on Telegram to book an appointment and learn more.
