Birth Control Pills Don’t Affect Survival

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• Topic: Diagnosis and Risk Factors
• Tags: Prescription Medications, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, Invasive or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, and Invasive or Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma

Most, but not all, research has found that using modern birth control pills doesn't increase breast cancer risk. A study was done to determine whether using birth control pills affected survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. The researchers found that women who took birth control pills had the same survival as women who didn't take the pill.

Birth control pills contain hormones. Because hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, the researchers cautioned women approaching menopause to think carefully about taking birth control pills.

For all women, birth control pills have possible side effects and risks. But for women younger than 40, birth control pills can be a good option. In addition to contraception, birth control pills can also:

• decrease ovarian and endometrial cancer risk
• relieve menstrual disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cysts
• improve bone mineral density

If you're considering taking birth control pills, talk to your doctor. Together you can weigh the risks and benefits and decide what is best for YOU.

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