The contraceptive pill is a widely used method of birth control, taken by around 3.1 million women across the UK. By altering hormone levels, it effectively prevents pregnancy. However, many may not realize that this common medication can increase the risk of certain cancers, even years after stopping its use.
Health experts, including the NHS, caution that taking the contraceptive pill slightly raises the risk of developing breast and cervical cancer. Importantly, this elevated risk can persist for up to ten years after discontinuing the pill. The NHS advises that the risk returns to normal roughly a decade after use ends.
On its official website, the NHS states: “Taking the pill can slightly increase your risk of getting breast cancer and cervical cancer. But your risk returns to normal 10 years after you stop taking the pill.”
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Interestingly, the pill may also reduce the risk of womb (uterus), ovarian, and bowel cancers, providing some protective benefits.
Cancer Research UK elaborates that the combined contraceptive pill is linked to a slight increase in breast cancer risk compared to those who never use it. This increased risk disappears 10 years after stopping the pill, making it as if the pill was never taken.
Regarding cervical cancer, the evidence is less definitive. While the combined pill might be associated with a modestly higher risk, particularly with prolonged use, more research is required to confirm this link. Similar to breast cancer, any increased risk fades 10 years after cessation.
Additionally, the contraceptive pill carries a risk of blood clots, affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 users. This potential danger is important to consider when choosing a contraceptive method.
If you have been affected by these risks or have concerns, we invite you to reach out and share your experiences.