Scientists know there is a link between naturally occurring sex hormones and the growth of certain types of cancers. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it is suspected that since birth control pills contain these hormones, there may be a link between these cancers and contraceptive use. Interestingly, the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer appear to be reduced in women who regularly use oral contraceptives. Adversely, the rates of liver, cervical, and breast cancer are higher in the same demographic.
Breast cancer risks
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is dependent upon numerous factors. Many of these are related to her natural hormone production. Early menstruation, late-onset menopause, advanced-age pregnancy, and not having children all increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. In 1996, a collaborative study found that women who were recent birth-control users had a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer, says Marla Ahlgrimm.
Ovarian cancer risks
In 1992, scientists found that oral contraceptives were highly associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. And, the longer a woman used oral contraceptives, the lower her chances of developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Marla Ahlgrimm reports that women who took birth-control for a period of five years had a 50% reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, women with one of two specific gene mutations, BRCA1 or BRCA2, who also used oral contraceptives were found to be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
Marla Ahlgrimm concludes by citing that oral contraceptives, along with other hormone-altering treatments, are not without risk. It is up to each individual woman and her healthcare provider to weigh the rewards against possible complications.
