Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe, FRCGP — NHS GP & Women’s Health Doctor

Hearing that the contraceptive pill may increase your cancer risk can be frightening. But the full picture is more complicated than the headlines suggest.

Watch the full video:

If you are aged 16 to 25, understanding the actual risks can help you make a more informed decision about contraception.

What does the increased risk actually look like?

For young women, the starting risk of breast cancer is very low. Breast cancer is rare in women under 30.

Imagine 10,000 women in their twenties who do not take the pill. Only a small number would be expected to develop breast cancer over the next 10 years. Among 10,000 similar women who take the pill, a few more might develop it.

That is the small increase in risk being discussed. It is a small rise from an already low starting point, rather than a huge jump in risk.

There is also some reassurance for women who stop taking the pill. The increased risk does not remain permanently higher. Over time, it gradually returns to the usual background risk.

The pill can affect different cancer risks

Hormonal contraception can slightly increase the chance of breast cancer and cervical cancer, particularly with long-term use.

However, there is another side to the picture. The pill can lower the risk of:

• Ovarian cancer
• Womb cancer, also called endometrial cancer

This protection can last for years after you stop using the pill.

So, the picture is not simply that taking the pill means getting cancer.

Some risks may increase slightly, while others decrease. For a healthy person aged 16 to 25, the overall numbers remain low.

When should you discuss your personal risk?

Some situations call for a conversation with your doctor before deciding which contraceptive method to use.

Seek a review if you have:

• Several close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, especially before age 50.
• Been told you carry a gene such as the Breast Cancer (BRCA) gene
• A new breast lump or changes around your nipple.
• Repeated bleeding between periods or after sex.

These concerns do not automatically mean you can never take the pill. Instead, you and your doctor can discuss your personal risk and consider alternatives, such as a copper coil or consistently using condoms.

Consider the bigger picture

Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and carrying a lot of extra weight increase cancer risk far more than the pill does. Pregnancy and giving birth also affect cancer risk and come with their own serious complications.

The decision is not simply between a perfectly safe option and a dangerous pill. It is about understanding the different risks, including the risk of an unplanned pregnancy, and deciding which you can live with.

Key takeaway

The contraceptive pill is not a secret cancer time bomb. It has benefits, risks and alternatives, and you deserve to understand how these apply to you.

If you have a strong family history of cancer or feel worried about the risks, book a review with your doctor.

You can say, “I’m worried about cancer risk. Can we go through my options?”

Making an informed choice means taking control of your health, rather than letting fear or headlines decide for you.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer — If you are worried about your cancer risk, have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or if anything concerns you, speak to your doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. 

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