Birth Control Pill Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common disease in women. According to WHO data, 2.3 million women will develop breast cancer in 2022, of which 670,000 will die. But can taking birth control pills cause cancer? According to one study, it is possible. Studies suggest that regular use of birth control pills, combination hormone pills, may increase the risk of breast cancer. Birth control pills are the most commonly prescribed medication for women today. Millions of women use birth control pills to avoid pregnancy. It relieves the stress of childbirth and provides peace of mind. But does it create future problems for women? Can it cause cancer? Indian-American doctor Kunal Sood has warned about this on social media.
Does breast cancer really happen?
Dr. Kunal Sood, a professor of anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine practicing in Germantown, Maryland, answers this important question on women’s minds in an Instagram video. He explains, “Did you know that combined birth control pills are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen? Carcinogen means cancer-causing substances. So, do birth control pills cause cancer?” In fact, there has long been confusion about the link between birth control pills and cancer. Dr. According to Sood, the reality is more complicated. While there are risks, there are also significant protective benefits. They point out that studies show that while their use increases the risk of breast and cervical cancer, they also show long-term protection against ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers.
Dr. Sood also pointed out that since 2005, combined birth control pills have been identified as causing cancer. In 2007, WHO’s Cancer Agency formally classified them as Group 1 carcinogens based on evidence. It said these pills may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. For example, women who currently take the pill have a 24% increased risk of breast cancer.
If they have been taking them for 10 years or more, their risk of cervical cancer doubles. Fortunately, once women stop taking the pill, their cancer risk decreases. Additionally, these pills reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 30-50%, endometrial cancer by 30% and colorectal cancer by 20%. In fact, these medicines are also used when menstruation becomes very painful. Additionally, they are very effective in treating PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Kunal Sood pointed out that while the Group 1 label is appropriate, it does not represent unilateral risk. A woman’s risk of breast cancer depends on her personal health, family history, and how she uses the pill.