Women are exposed to the hormones estrogen and progesterone our entire lives. While essential for the growth and development of our reproductive systems, these natural hormones contribute to increasing our breast cancer risk.

We are also exposed to synthetic hormones – hormones created in a lab – at different times in our lives, whether to prevent or enable pregnancy or manage the symptoms of menopause.

Oral contraceptives
Also called “the Pill,” oral contraceptives were developed to prevent unplanned pregnancy. The Pill is also prescribed for other purposes, such as regulating periods. It has both benefits and limitations and knowing what they are will help you make an informed decision about what is right for your sexual health, your overall health and your lifestyle.

Taking combination birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone can slightly increase your risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not take them. However, it has been shown that, 10 years after stopping the combined Pill, your risk of breast cancer becomes similar to that of a woman who has never taken the Pill. Research also shows that taking the Pill may decrease the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

To make an informed decision about what is right for you, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages you to learn about the benefits and limitations of using oral contraceptives for your lifestyle as well as your overall health and well-being. To inform your decision, we also encourage you to speak to a health care provider about your medical history, your lifestyle, the benefits and risks of the Pill, and alternatives to it.

Sources

Breakthrough Breast Cancer (UK). Breast Cancer Risk: the Facts – The Pill. Accessed July 31, 2011.