New research
New research suggests that taking any type of hormonal contraceptive can increase the risk of breast cancer in women.
Scientists found that using progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives, including the mini pill, implant, injectable, and intra-uterine device, is associated with a 20-30% higher chance of developing the disease.
The study showed that the absolute excess risk of developing breast cancer over a 15-year period in women with five years of using oral contraceptives ranged from eight in 100,000 women for use from age 16 to 20 to 265 in 100,000 for use from age 35 to 39.
Benefits outweign risk
However, researchers say the benefits of taking contraceptives, such as protection against endometrial and ovarian cancer, could outweigh the risk of taking them.
The use of progestogen-only contraceptives has risen significantly in the last few years. There were nearly as many prescriptions issued in England for progestogen-only oral contraceptives in 2020 as there were for the combined pill.
The data was collected by the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 9,498 women who developed invasive breast cancer between the ages of 20 and 49 and 18,171 closely matched women without breast cancer.
Decision is still yours
Experts say that although the risk is present, there is no indication that women need to change their contraception methods.
The combined oral contraceptives and progestogen-only contraceptives have a similar effect on breast cancer risk, according to the study.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is rare in young women, and the slight increase in risk during the time a woman uses hormonal contraceptives means that only a small number of additional cases of the disease are diagnosed.
»Hormonal contraceptives linked to increased breast cancer risk in women«