A huge Danish study linking hormonal contraceptive use to a 20% higher risk of breast cancer has received a lot of attention this week. Previous studies have also shown a higher risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women who have used hormonal contraceptives for longer periods of time, the authors noted. The association between hormonal contraceptives and higher breast cancer risk remained even after accounting for confounding factors — smoking, alcohol intake and age at first birth, for example — that could influence breast cancer risk. Every different formulation of birth control pill as well as the intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone levonorgestrel, a progestin, was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. In addition, Hunter concluded in his editorial, "These data suggest that the search for an oral contraceptive that does not elevate the risk of breast cancer needs to continue."

Source: Forbes December 08, 2017 19:45 UTC