Birth Control and Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

A recent study from Sweden has stirred up conversations about birth control and breast cancer. This study followed over 2 million women under 50 for more than a decade. The findings show that while hormonal birth control is generally safe, there are slight differences in breast cancer risk depending on the hormones used. The study found a small increase in breast cancer diagnoses among current or recent users of hormonal birth control. However, this risk is short-term and decreases within five to ten years after stopping the contraceptive. The increase in risk is modest, with about one extra case per 7, 800 users per year. Social media has been flooded with alarming claims that birth control causes cancer. However, experts emphasize that these claims are often taken out of context. The study reported a 24% higher rate of breast cancer among users, but this translates to only about 13 extra cases per 100, 000 women per year. The study also found that the risk varies depending on the type of hormone used. For example, desogestrel, found in some combined oral contraceptives, was linked to a slightly higher risk. In contrast, other hormones like medroxyprogesterone acetate did not show an increased risk. Experts caution that the study included both invasive breast cancers and early, noninvasive lesions. Including these early-stage cases might make the overall risk seem higher than it actually is. Therefore, more data is needed to separate early-stage and advanced cancers before making new recommendations. Doctors stress that this study should not change how they advise patients. Hormonal birth control remains broadly safe, and decisions should be tailored to each woman's needs and values. There are also non-hormonal options, such as the copper IUD, which is safe, convenient, and highly effective. It's important to keep the risks in perspective. Hormonal birth control offers many health benefits beyond pregnancy prevention, such as easing heavy periods and lowering the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. The risk of an unintended pregnancy is also a significant factor to consider.