Hormonal contraceptive pill linked to higher breast cancer risk? New study rings alarm bells

A new study published in JAMA Oncology has found that women who use certain contraceptives may face a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

What did the study find?

Users of progestin-only contraceptives (such as mini-pills, hormonal IUDs, or injectables) showed a 21 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Those using combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives had a 12 percent higher risk.

The risk appeared to rise with longer duration of use, particularly beyond five years, but declined gradually after stopping.

The researchers estimate roughly 13 additional breast cancer cases per 1,00,000 women per year among users.

Experts weigh in

Despite the numbers, doctors caution that the absolute risk remains small.

Oncologists and gynaecologists alike emphasize the need for personalized counselling, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer or those above 35.

Why this matters

Hormonal birth control is used by nearly 400 million women globally, making even small relative risks significant at the population level.

The findings come as more young women are opting for long-acting hormonal IUDs and implants, products that, while highly effective, may warrant closer health monitoring.