Contraceptives are widely used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. In the past few decades, contraception has undergone significant changes to become more effective and safe.

However, there have been concerns about the relationship between contraceptives and breast cancer risks. This article explores the link between contraceptives and breast cancer risks.

What are contraceptives?

Contraceptives are methods used to prevent pregnancy. There are various types of contraceptives available in the market, including hormonal and non-hormonal methods. Hormonal contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy.

These include oral contraceptives, patches, injections, and vaginal rings. Non-hormonal methods include barriers, such as condoms and diaphragms, and natural methods, such as fertility awareness and withdrawal.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of breast cells. It is the most common cancer among women globally and is the second most common cancer overall. Breast cancer can affect both men and women, but it is more prevalent in women.

The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development.

How are contraceptives linked to breast cancer risks?

Several studies have explored the relationship between contraceptives and breast cancer risks. Hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, contain estrogen and progestin, which are synthetic hormones.

These hormones can stimulate the growth of breast cells and increase the risk of breast cancer. The risk is higher for women who use hormonal contraceptives for an extended period, especially those who started using them before the age of 25.

A study conducted by the World Health Organization concluded that using combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives increases the risk of breast cancer.

The study found that for every ten thousand women who use oral contraceptives for a year, the number of breast cancer cases would increase by 1.5. However, the study also showed that this risk disappears ten years after stopping the use of oral contraceptives.

On the other hand, non-hormonal methods of contraception do not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Studies have shown that using barrier methods, such as condoms and diaphragms, or natural methods, such as fertility awareness, do not affect breast cancer risks.

Does the type of hormonal contraceptive matter?

Studies have indicated that the risks of breast cancer vary depending on the type of hormonal contraceptive used. Combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives have a higher risk of breast cancer than progestin-only contraceptives.

Among progestin-only contraceptive methods, injections have a higher risk of breast cancer than implants. However, these differences in risks are relatively small and may not be significant.

Are there any factors that increase the risk of breast cancer for women using contraceptives?

Several factors can increase the risk of breast cancer for women, irrespective of contraceptive use. These include age, family history of breast cancer, previous breast conditions, and exposure to estrogen.

Women who have a higher risk of breast cancer due to these factors should consult their healthcare providers before using hormonal contraceptives.

Conclusion

Contraceptives have been a boon for women who want to prevent unplanned pregnancies. While they are generally safe, there are concerns about the relationship between contraceptives and breast cancer risks.

Hormonal contraceptives, especially oral contraceptives, increase the risk of breast cancer in women who use them for an extended period. However, the risk disappears ten years after stopping the use of oral contraceptives. Non-hormonal methods of contraception do not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Women should weigh the risks and benefits of using hormonal contraceptives and consult their healthcare providers before starting or stopping their use.