Birth control pills have seen a significant rise in the market since the early 1960s. Birth control pills are majorly taken to avoid unwanted pregnancies but it also helps control other conditions in women such as acne, PMS, mood swings, and heavy periods. It is the most popular and one of the most effective forms of birth control. Researchers have proven that birth control pills can slightly lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer by 30-50% among women. There is also a reduced incidence of endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer by 20%.
The breast cancer treatment hospitals in India are well equipped with advanced technology and skilled professional doctors and surgeons who treat cancer at affordable rates compared to other countries in the world.
But an association between estrogen and increased risk of breast cancer has given rise to a debate about the role of birth control pills that may develop an increased risk of breast cancer among women.
Experts say that especially for young women, the benefits of birth control pills outweigh the risk of breast cancer. Birth control pills must be safe enough to be consumed by women. This is because birth control pills use hormones to block pregnancy, they may overstimulate breast cells which may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Birth control pills may increase breast cancer risks among women. Women are at higher risk of breast cancer if:
There is a strong family history of the disease
Your past biopsy is showing abnormal growth of cells
You or someone in your family has an abnormal breast cancer gene
If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, they avoid taking contraceptives that use hormones to control pregnancy. This medicine has a high chance of recurrence of cancer back in the body.
The cost of breast cancer treatment in India is affordable and cheap compared to other nations around the world. It ranges from USD 4000-4500 inclusive of cancer diagnosis, treatment, medications, and accommodation.
Best Breast cancer treatment hospitals in India includes the top list of cancer specialist hospitals in India:
Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai
Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai
MPCT Hospital, Mumbai
Dharamshila Narayana super specialty hospital, Delhi
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Does taking birth control pills to increase the risk of developing breast cancer in women?
There was a study conducted by a cancer research team, to relate if birth control pills have a direct link with a high risk of breast cancer in women ages 20-49 years of age. The results found that using high-dose of estrogen (the type of birth control pills that many women take) birth control pills was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in younger women but using birth control pills with lower estrogen was not linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Maybe. But the study has generated conflicting results.
The research has found that women who had used birth control pills with high-dose estrogen had a 50% increased risk of breast cancer compared to women who never had used birth control pills. Similar research found that longer use of the pill seemed to increase the risk more.
The family has a history of breast cancer: Should birth control pills be taken?
The answer is maybe. Research has found that women with a strong history of breast cancer may have up to 11 times higher risk of breast cancer if they have ever taken a pill. Today’s birth control pills contain low-dose estrogen compared to prior 1975 where it contained much higher levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Studies also showed birth control pills do not increase the risk in women who carry off the abnormal form of the BRCA2 genes but did in those with BRCA1 genes.
It is vital to talk with your doctor when evaluating the risks and benefits of using birth control pills.
According to the latest research, the risk of breast cancer associated with birth control pills may vary by age. The risk is higher in older women. The risk is higher in women aged 45 and over who use pills.
Having said this, it is important to note a few points:
Breast cancer is rare among young women and there are numerous health benefits associated with oral contraceptive use that should be considered.
If you’re a healthy young woman with an average risk of breast cancer means there is no family history, no abnormal breast cancer genes in the family then taking birth control pills is considered safe for you. Consider using low-dose of estrogen pills.
For any reason, breast cancer risk is higher in your case, including being older, so you need to be cautious and avoid anything that could make the risk even higher including birth control pills. This is why birth control pills are not recommended in women with a risk of breast cancer.
If your breast cancer is higher than average then you need to talk with your doctor about alternative birth control methods. Diaphragms, condoms, non-hormonal intrauterine devices, paraGard maybe some of the options for you.
The cost for breast cancer treatment in India is affordable and cheap compared to other nations around the world. It ranges from USD 4000-4500 inclusive of cancer diagnosis, treatment, medications and accommodation.