Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk

New Swedish research: swedish researchers have found large differences in breast cancer risk between different types of birth control pills and are warning women at risk of breast cancer.

BIG DIFFERENCES: Swedish researchers have found that there can be big differences in breast cancer risk between different types of hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills. Photo: Phillipe Huguen/AFP

In short

* Swedish researchers have examined different types of birth control pills and found differences in the risk of breast cancer.
* Women who use birth control pills with desogestrel have an almost 50 percent higher risk of breast cancer.
* The study shows that the risk varies with the type of progestogen, but the absolute risk is small.
* Researchers emphasize the importance of having facts when choosing a contraceptive.

The summary was created by ChatGPT and approved by Dagbladet.

It has long been known that hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Now, a group of Swedish researchers have for the first time examined the different types of birth control pills, by examining the different types of progestogens – the synthetic form of progesterone that is included in many contraceptives.

• Women should be aware of the differences,says Åsa Johansson,one of the researchers behind the study.

Using national registries, they looked at data from more than two million women aged 13 to 49. Women who had ever used hormonal contraceptives had a 24 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who had never used them.

The study has been published in the recognized journal Birth Control Pills and Breast Cancer Risk: Understanding the Latest Research

Recent research has sparked discussion about a potential link between birth control pill use and breast cancer risk. While the connection isn’t new, a large-scale study published in the British Medical Journal has provided further insight into the matter. It’s crucial to understand the nuances of this research and what it means for women who use or are considering using hormonal contraception.

What the Study found

The study analyzed data from over 9.5 million women in Denmark and found a slightly increased risk of breast cancer among current and recent users of hormonal birth control. Specifically, the risk was found to be higher in women who had used any type of hormonal contraception, including pills, patches, and vaginal rings. The increased risk diminished after stopping use.

However, researchers emphasize that the absolute risk remains very small. The study suggests that for every 50 women using hormonal contraception for five years, there might be one additional case of breast cancer diagnosed. This increase needs to be weighed against the well-established benefits of birth control, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies and managing certain medical conditions.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Lina Møller, a researcher involved in the study, clarifies that the research doesn’t definitively prove a causal link. “The study is not in itself enough to draw a conclusion, but it is good and important that it is researched,” she says. She also stresses that “the risk of breast cancer from taking birth control pills is incredibly small, nonetheless of which planning you take.”

Factors That Can Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Key Takeaways

• A recent study indicates a small increase in breast cancer risk among current and recent users of hormonal birth control.
• The absolute risk remains very low, with an estimated one additional case of breast cancer for every 50 women using hormonal contraception for five years.
• The increased risk diminishes after stopping use.
• Many other factors contribute to breast cancer risk, and hormonal birth control is just one piece of the puzzle.
• The benefits of birth control frequently enough outweigh the small potential risk.

Publication date: 2025/11/07 13:05:27

Moving forward, continued research is essential to fully understand the complex relationship between hormonal contraception and breast cancer. Women should discuss their individual risk factors and concerns with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.