Hormonal contraception increases the risk of breast cancer

Anetlanda/epictura

Published the 08.12.2017 at 08: 00

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Keywords :

contraceptionhormonecancer of the breast

Birth control pills are more controversial. Those of the 3rd and 4th generations were the subject of debate in 2012, following the complaint of a young woman, victim of a stroke, which has greatly handicapped, against a laboratory.
The results of a new study published Thursday might strengthen suspicion against this method of contraception. Danish researchers have shown that women who take or have taken the pill have a 20% risk of having breast cancer. A risk which increases as the use of the contraceptive lasts.

The risks that remain after discontinuation of the pill

The scientists conducted their study of all Danish women aged 15 to 49 years, based on national registers. This represents 1.8 million women. They had never had cancer, venous thrombosis or embolism, and had not received treatment for infertility. The research was conducted over a period of more than ten years. 11.517 cases of breast cancer have been identified.
Even after less than a year of pill use, the risk of breast cancer increases. Also, after an interruption of the taking of the contraception among women who have been on the pill for five years or more, the risk remains higher than for women never having taken. The risk is low but represents a cancer per year for 7690 women taking hormonal contraception. Contraception by pill hormonal, however, presents the benefits for many women.

Especially, some women are more prone to risk. Hence the importance of seeking the advice of a general practitioner or a gynecologist.