Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and several risk factors have been identified that increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. One of the potential risk factors that has been explored in research is the use of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches, and injections. In this blog post, we will examine the relationship between birth control and breast cancer risk, including the evidence and the possible mechanisms that may explain this association.
Studies on Birth Control and Breast Cancer Risk:
Several studies have explored the link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk, with varying results. A large-scale study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017 analyzed data from 1.8 million Danish women over a period of more than ten years and found that women who used hormonal contraceptives had a slightly increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not use them. The study found that for every 100,000 women who used hormonal contraceptives, there were an additional 13 cases of breast cancer per year. However, the study also found that the risk of breast cancer decreased after women stopped using hormonal contraceptives, and the risk returned to normal levels after ten years.
Another study published in the Lancet Oncology in 2020 analyzed data from 58 studies involving more than 100,000 women with breast cancer and found that women who had ever used hormonal contraceptives had a 9% increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who had never used them. The study also found that the risk increased with the longer use of hormonal contraceptives and certain types of hormonal contraceptives, such as those containing high doses of estrogen and progestin.
Possible Mechanisms:
The possible mechanisms that explain the link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk are not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed. One theory is that hormonal contraceptives may increase breast cancer risk by promoting the growth of breast tissue. Estrogen and progestin, the hormones present in hormonal contraceptives, stimulate the growth of breast tissue, which may lead to the development of breast cancer. Another theory is that hormonal contraceptives may increase breast cancer risk by promoting the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. Hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and progestin, which means that these hormones can stimulate their growth.
What Should Women Do?
The link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk should not discourage women from using birth control, as the risk of developing breast cancer from hormonal contraceptives is relatively low. However, women should be aware of the potential risks and discuss contraceptive options with their healthcare providers. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors for breast cancer may need to consider alternative forms of contraception, such as non-hormonal methods or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Conclusion:
While the use of hormonal contraceptives is associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, the risk is relatively low, and the benefits of birth control outweigh the potential risks for most women. Women should be aware of the potential risks and discuss their contraceptive options with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk.
El Camino Women’s Medical Group offers the latest Minimally Invasive Solutions for gynecologic problems. Drs. Amy Teng, Erika Balassiano, Pooja Gupta, and Christina Lam, all members of AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy), are highly trained and experienced in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. Dr. Erika Balassiano has also completed a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship under the supervision of world-renowned Dr. Camran Nezhat.
All of our physicians are El Camino Hospital doctors and operate and deliver at the Mountain View campus.
Serving Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Burlingame, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Santa Clara, Silicon Valley, Milpitas, Fremont, South Bay, East Bay, and North Bay.