Contraceptive pill and breast cancer

Dr Caitlin Palframan, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, says: “This research suggests the modern contraceptive pill has a similar effect on breast cancer risk as older forms. This means a woman taking the pill is at slightly increased risk of breast cancer, but that risk decreases after stopping use.

“Breast cancer is rare in younger women and the pill has many benefits as well as some risks. Taking the pill is a personal choice and any woman who has questions can discuss them with her GP.”