Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk: What Every Indian Woman Should Know

 


Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), commonly known as birth control pills, are widely used by women in India for family planning. While these pills are effective and convenient, many women worry about their long-term safety—especially about whether they increase the risk of cancer. Let’s clear up the facts, based on scientific evidence, so you can make informed choices for your health.

Do Oral Contraceptives Increase Cancer Risk?

Breast Cancer

  • Slight Increase in Risk: Studies show that women who are currently using oral contraceptives, or have recently stopped, have a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer—about 20% higher than women who have never used them.

  • Risk Decreases Over Time: This increased risk gradually disappears within 5–10 years after stopping the pills

  • Absolute Risk is Small: For most women, this means only a few extra cases of breast cancer per 100,000 women using the pill each year.

  • No Clear Link in Indian Studies: Some Indian studies have not found a strong association between OCP use and breast cancer risk.

Cervical Cancer

  • Increased Risk with Long-Term Use: Using oral contraceptives for more than 5 years is associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer, especially if a woman also has a persistent HPV infection.

  • Risk Reduces After Stopping: The risk of cervical cancer decreases over time after stopping the pills.

Ovarian and Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

  • Protective Effect: OCPs actually reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers by 30–50%. This protection increases the longer you use the pills and can last for decades after stopping them.

  • Colorectal Cancer: There is also a modest reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer among women who have used oral contraceptives5.

Putting the Risks and Benefits in Perspective

“The temporary increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer and the long-term protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers need to be considered alongside the highly effective contraception that these medications provide.”
— Margaret Urban, National Health Laboratory Service

  • Most women will not develop cancer because of OCP use.

  • The benefits of birth control pills—effective family planning, lighter periods, reduced risk of some cancers—often outweigh the small risks for most women.

  • Regular screening (like Pap smears for cervical cancer and breast exams) is important for all women, whether or not they use OCPs.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious?

  • Women with a personal or strong family history of breast cancer should discuss alternative options with their doctor.

  • Women with risk factors for cervical cancer (such as persistent HPV infection) should be extra vigilant with regular screening.

Key Takeaways for Indian Women

  • OCPs may slightly increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer, but this risk is small and goes away after you stop using them.

  • OCPs protect against ovarian and endometrial cancers, and may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

  • Talk to your doctor about your personal and family health history before starting or continuing OCPs.

  • Don’t skip regular cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives.

Remember:
Oral contraceptive pills are safe for most women. Understanding the real risks and benefits helps you make the best decision for your health and your family. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication. Dr M G Giriyappagoudar a senior oncologist from Anvita Onco Clinic, Hubli of north Karnataka believes that the benefits of using OCPs is outweighs the risk of cancer in women. 

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