Can birth control pills cause cancer in Indian women with PCOS?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Oral contraceptives, sometimes known as birth control pills, are hormonally-rich drugs that are taken internally to prevent conception. Oral contraceptive pills are surrounded by many misinformation and if you taking OC pills this thought might have come across your mind that “can birth control pills cause cancer”? Our doctor says that women with PCOS may occasionally be given these hormonal supplements.

While there are specific advantages of hormonal birth control beyond preventing conception, there are worries that it might affect cancer risk. Oral contraceptives may marginally raise the risk of breast and cervical cancers, according to research, but they may also lower the risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Birth control tablets not only stop pregnancy, but also reduce period discomfort, stop ovarian cysts, control menstrual cycles, and many other health advantages. Birth control pills do, however, have a number of side effects and hazards, just like any prescription.

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Because they alter how cells divide and differentiate, hormones have been found to have an impact on the chance of developing cancer. For instance, it has been demonstrated that both oestrogen and progestin promote cell division in breast tissue. This may help to explain why using oral contraceptives in combination increases the risk of breast cancer.

However, oestrogen appears to promote cell division in the endometrium whereas progestin appears to have the opposite effect. This explains why some diseases, such as endometrial cancer, are protected from by the combo birth control pill. This may also be the reason why birth control methods that just include progestin, such the shot or the tiny pill, are less dangerous.

In the end, there are several factors besides hormones that might affect the chance of developing cancer, including various carcinogens, infections, lifestyle choices, and more. However, studies also indicate that using birth control tablets may reduce the incidence of ovarian, colorectal, and endometrial cancer.

Speak with your doctor if you have concerns about the hazards of birth control. They can assist you in deciding whether the advantages exceed the hazards or whether you have other choices to think about.