Women who have used the contraceptive pill are less likely to have bowel cancer, endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer than those who have never taken it, according to new research. The study, which was conducted by the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, looked at 46 000 women for 44 years, and concluded that women who have taken the contraceptive pill are protected from these types of cancer for as long as 30 years after they’ve stopped taking it.
The UK-based Oral Contraception Study was originally established in 1968 by the Royal College of General Practitioners, and is the longest running study of its kind. “Because the study has been going for such a long time we are able to look at the very long term effects … associated with the Pill," noted Dr Lisa Iversen, the leader of the study, in a press release. “What we found from looking at up to 44 years’ worth of data, was that having ever used the pill, women are less likely to get colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancer."
The Pill and its preventative effects
In recent years, fears have been raised that the Pill raises cancer risk, however this study not only found that the Pill has a strong preventative effect against specific cancers but it also found that there wasn’t any evidence of new cancer risks appearing as the study participants aged.
Researchers found that taking the Pill for any length of time lowered the cases of ovarian cancer by 33 percent, endometrial cancer by 34 percent and bowel cancer by 19 percent. The study also reported that the risk of breast cancer rose by four per cent, although this risk disappeared five years after stopping contraception.
Upon the release of these reassuring findings, one of the top medical experts in the UK, Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, applauded the comprehensive research in a press release on the college’s site, but cautioned the following: “This is not to advocate that women should be given the Pill as a preventative measure against cancer as we know that a minority of women do have adverse health effects as a result of taking the Pill.
"Ultimately decisions to prescribe the Pill need to be made on a patient by patient basis, but this research will be useful to inform the conversations we have with our patients when discussing various contraceptive options that are available.”
The pros and cons of using the Pill
The proven benefits of the contraceptive pill include:
- It can offer relief from painful menstrual cramps
- It can ensure lighter menstrual bleeding
- It can improve mild to moderate acne
- Reduced risk of certain cancers including ovarian and endometrial cancer
- Reduced risk of ectopic pregnancy
- It's also free of charge at most clinics.
The cons of the contraceptive pill include:
- It doesn’t protect against STIs
- You may experience headaches, nausea and breast tenderness, although these side effects are usual mild and are generally resolved within a few months
- It also increases your risk of suffering a stroke.
For more information about the contraceptive pill, speak to your doctor or Clicks pharmacist, or contact the Planned Parenthood Association (PPSA) on 021 448 7312.
Speak to your Clicks Clinic nursing practitioner about contraception
Clicks Clinics offer family planning services that include:
- Consultations and injections: contraception, cycles, hormonal and fertility
- Contraceptive and fertility injections administered as per your doctor's prescription (dependent on stock availability)
Book an appointment at your nearest Clicks Clinic. Alternatively, call 0860 254 257 or +27 21 460 1009 (outside South Africa).
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com
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