Researchers say some birth control pills can increase breast cancer risk

Women taking certain contraceptive pills may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in the future, according to a new study.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle researched medical records of over 1,100 breast cancer patients between ages 20 to 49, the Boston Globe reported. The research center found women who took birth control pills had a 50 percent higher risk of getting breast cancer compared to women who were not taking the pill.

The research also showed birth control pills with high estrogen levels, such as Ovral or Ovcon 50, increased women’s risk of developing breast cancer by three times. Women who took low-dose estrogen pills had lower risk.

However, researchers said more studies still needs to be done. The study did not take into consideration how long the women have been taking the pills before they were diagnosed.

Doctors said the benefits for taking birth control pills still outweigh the risks and women should still continue taking them. Other research has shown the pills can prevent unplanned pregnancies and protects against uterine and ovarian cancer.

Agencies/Canadajournal