Birth Control and Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

A recent study from Sweden has sparked discussions about the relationship between birth control and breast cancer. The research, which followed over 2 million women under 50 for more than a decade, reveals that while hormonal birth control is generally safe, there are nuanced differences in breast cancer risk based on the hormones used.

Key Findings

• Short-Term Risk Increase: The study found a small increase in breast cancer diagnoses among current or recent users of hormonal birth control. However, this risk is temporary and decreases within five to ten years after stopping the contraceptive.
• Modest Risk: The increase in risk is modest, with about one extra case per 7,800 users per year.
• Variation by Hormone Type: The risk varies depending on the type of hormone used. Desogestrel, found in some combined oral contraceptives, was linked to a slightly higher risk, while medroxyprogesterone acetate did not show an increased risk.

Social Media Misinterpretations

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.

Expert Cautions

• Inclusion of Early-Stage Cases: The study included both invasive breast cancers and early, noninvasive lesions, which might make the overall risk seem higher than it actually is.
• Need for More Data: More data is needed to separate early-stage and advanced cancers before making new recommendations.

Medical Advice

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.

Perspective on Risks and Benefits

It's important to keep the risks in perspective. Hormonal birth control offers many health benefits beyond pregnancy prevention, such as:

• Easing heavy periods
• Lowering the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers
• Reducing the risk of an unintended pregnancy