Birth control pills
combined oral contraceptives. Medical.
- Verdict
- Raises riskStudies link it to higher cancer risk.
- How sure
- Rung 4 · StrongAt least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question.
- How big
- 24% higher risk in current users; no increase 10 years after stopping
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Breast (slightly, while taking them)
What the evidence shows
In a pooled analysis of 54 studies, women currently taking the pill had 24% higher breast cancer risk, and a large Danish study found about 20% higher risk with current or recent use. No increase was seen 10 years after stopping. The same pills are linked to 30% to 50% lower ovarian cancer risk, at least 30% lower endometrial cancer risk and 15% to 20% lower colorectal cancer risk.
What to do
A small, temporary rise to weigh with the pill's other effects, including lower risk of three other cancers. Talk it through with your doctor.
Sources
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.