A GP has advised women who take the contraceptive pill to be aware of its potential impact on cancer risk, following renewed discussion prompted by recent studies.
Dr Sabah Salman, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explained that the contraceptive pill, commonly known as ‘the pill’, is a hormonal medication taken orally to prevent pregnancy. She outlined the two main types of contraceptive pills currently in use.
“The combined pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. It works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering, and thinning the lining of the womb to reduce the chance of egg implantation,” Dr Salman said.
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“The progestogen-only pill, often called the ‘mini pill’, contains just progestogen and functions similarly to prevent ovulation.”
While breast cancer is uncommon in the younger women who typically use the pill, taking either the combined or mini pill is associated with a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer. Dr Salman cited estimates indicating an additional 8 cases of breast cancer for every 100,000 women aged 16 to 20 taking the pill, and an extra 265 cases for every 100,000 women aged 35 to 39.
“Importantly, this increased risk only persists while the pill is being used. After stopping, the risk gradually returns to baseline levels,” she added.
Early research also suggests a possible link between prolonged use of the combined pill and a small increase in cervical cancer risk, which returns to normal approximately ten years after discontinuing the pill.
Conversely, the contraceptive pill also offers protective benefits against some cancers. The combined pill has been shown to reduce the risk of bowel, ovarian, and womb cancers, with the protective effect on ovarian and womb cancers continuing even after stopping the pill. Preliminary studies indicate that the mini pill might also lower the risk of womb cancer, though further research is needed to confirm this.
Dr Salman emphasised the importance of considering both the risks and benefits of contraceptive pills. “There are many contraceptive options available, and consulting your doctor can help you make an informed decision based on your personal and family medical history,” she said.
She also highlighted that lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption have a greater impact on cancer risk reduction than contraceptive pill use.