Is There a Link Between Your Birth Control and Breast Cancer

Many women consider birth control pills for family planning, hormone regulation, or menstrual relief but worry about potential risks—including a possible link to breast cancer. While research suggests a slight association, the risk remains low for most women. Here’s what you need to know about the connection between hormonal contraception and breast cancer risk.

What Does the Research Say?

The conversation about birth control and breast cancer gained attention after a study titled “Contemporary Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of Breast Cancer” followed 1.8 million Danish women (ages 15-49) for nearly 11 years. The key findings:

• 11,517 cases of breast cancer were detected.
• Women on hormonal birth control had a slightly increased risk—13 cases per 100,000 women per year.
• This means that only 1 in 7,690 women using birth control developed breast cancer annually.‍

Who Was Excluded from the Study?

• Women with a history of cancer.
• Women with a history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in veins).
• Women who had undergone fertility treatments.

How Strong Is the Link Between Birth Control & Breast Cancer?

Yes, there is a small increase in risk, but for most young women, the overall risk of breast cancer is already low. Even with this mild increase, the likelihood of developing breast cancer remains minimal.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women who have used birth control pills for more than five years may have a slightly elevated risk. However, most experts do not consider this a significant concern.

• For women with a strong family history of breast cancer, some doctors may recommend taking a break from birth control after five years before resuming it again.

What Are the Stronger Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

If birth control is only a minor risk factor, what are the biggest contributors to breast cancer? Here are some of the strongest links:

1. Age & Gender

• Women over 50 are at the highest risk.
• Men can also develop breast cancer, but it is much rarer than in women.

2. Family History & Genetics

• BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase breast cancer risk.
• Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer raises your risk.

3. Hormonal Factors

• Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) increases exposure to estrogen, raising breast cancer risk.
• Never having children or having your first child after age 30 may slightly increase risk.

4. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

• Smoking & heavy alcohol consumption are well-documented risk factors.
• Obesity, especially after menopause, increases estrogen levels, which can promote breast cancer.
• Lack of physical activity is linked to higher risk.

While birth control use may slightly increase breast cancer risk, factors like family history, obesity, alcohol consumption, and genetic predisposition play a much larger role in overall risk.

What Should You Do With This Information?

If you are considering hormonal birth control, here’s what to keep in mind:‍

• ‍Talk to Your Doctor – If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss alternative birth control options.
• ‍Get Regular Screenings – Women over 40 should get annual mammograms for early detection.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol can lower breast cancer risk.

BASS Medical Group: Personalized Care for Your Health

At BASS Medical Group, our experienced gynecologists, primary care physicians, and specialists can help you:

• Choose the right birth control based on your health history.
• Understand your personal risk for breast cancer.
• Schedule mammograms and screenings for early detection.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss birth control options and breast cancer risk factors with our expert team.