Birthcontrol pills and Cancer

[jfreesNish]

I just read an article that stated that birth control pills lessen your risk of ovarian cancer even long after your finished taken it.  The longer you take it the less your risk is.  It's all protection against endometrial caner.

But, it slightly increases the risk of cervical and breast cancer while you are using it.  But when you stop the risk goes away.

Do you think that one benefit of decreasing a certain type of cancers is worth continuing the pill even though it increases the risk of other cancers?

[jfreesNish]

Jan. 31, 2008 at 7:58 PM

My thought is that I wouldn't want any type of cancer at all.  And do I really want to take something that could cause cancer.  It is good that if I take it I have a high chance of not getting ovarian cancer.  But there is still the chance of getting breast cancer. 

(Original Poster)

[octavia137]

Jan. 31, 2008 at 8:27 PM I think it is not  worth the risk of taking it!!

[picklebunnit]

Feb. 29, 2008 at 10:23 PM

I'd just look at your risk factors.  If you eat a high fat diet, are childless, used fertility-boosting drugs, use personal hygiene products containing talcum powder or have had several relatives with ovarian or breast cancer then you are at higher risk.   I'd then say yes, you should take it.   BRCA 1 and BRCA2 are genes that predispose woman to breast and ovarian cancer.  You can be tested for the genes, but my resources say that it would be pointless unless you have at least two relatives with breast, colon or prostate cancer.  The pill, if taken for 4 years reduces your risk by 40%, 10 yrs = 80% and the protection lasts for 15 years after you stop taking it.   Pregnancy cuts your risk by 40% (I think you have the one covered! Ha!

I hope that helps?

Hugs

Janna

 

[ErinWells]

Apr. 17, 2008 at 8:33 AM

Hi! I'm new here, so I'm not too sure on how it's all supposed to work, but this post caught my attention, bc I recently stopped taking the pill.

Of course, I wouldn't want any form of cancer. There are other risks while taking the pill, as well. I think that putting hormones into our bodies, for an extended period of time, can not possibly be good for us. If it's not naturally there, you know? This, of course, is only my opinion, I have no facts to back it up. Just a thought...

Plus, I know this is a bit off topic, but if you go to the websites about it, it says right there in plain ol' black & white, the pill may cause miscarriages, w/o you even knowing you were pregnant! That's terribly sad, to me:( Even if it's an unplanned baby, it's still a baby you've made!

[SylviaNCali]

Feb. 11, 2009 at 12:45 AM

There is a risk for everything.What I do know is that I do not want to have anymore kids now so the benefits outweigh the risks.