1. Does the contraceptive pill cause breast cancer?
- Taking the contraceptive pill slightly increases your risk of breast cancer
- This small increase in risk is similar whether you’re taking the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)
- The increased risk disappears within a few years once you stop taking the pill
- The pill is a safe and effective method of contraception and for many women the benefits will outweigh any risks
- You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by limiting alcohol, keeping to a healthy weight and being physically active regularly
2. How much does the pill increase risk?
The risk of developing breast cancer because of taking the pill is small.
Less than 1 in every 100 breast cancer cases in the UK are thought to be linked to the pill.
Your exact level of risk will depend on other factors including your age. However, breast cancer is rarer in young women, who are more likely to take the pill.
The increased risk of breast cancer reduces when you stop taking the pill and disappears within a few years.
Combined pill and breast cancer risk
The combined contraceptive pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen.
It’s been known for some time that taking the combined contraceptive pill slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.
Progestogen-only pill and breast cancer risk
The progestogen-only pill contains the hormone progestogen. It’s also known as the mini-pill.
More recent research shows taking the progestogen-only pill slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, similar to the combined contraceptive pill.
3. Why does the pill increase risk?
We don’t know for certain why taking the pill increases the risk of breast cancer.
The hormones oestrogen and progesterone are known to help some breast cancers to grow. This might help explain why the pill slightly increases breast cancer risk.
3 ways to reduce breast cancer risk
By making some small changes to your lifestyle, you can lower your chances of getting breast cancer.
To reduce your risk:
- Limit alcohol
- Keep to a healthy weight
- Be physically active regularly
Find out more about reducing your risk of breast cancer.
4. Deciding whether to take the pill
Benefits and risks
The pill is a safe and effective method of contraception.
It may also help reduce painful or heavy periods and PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
The combined contraceptive pill is associated with a reduced risk of womb cancer and ovarian cancer.
For many women the benefits of the pill, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies, will outweigh the small increased risk of breast cancer.
Who to talk to
If you need help deciding the right type of contraception for you, you can talk to your GP or family planning clinic.
If you have a family history of breast cancer
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you can speak to your family history or genetics specialist about the pill. The risks and benefits may be different for you.
