Scientific evidence shows that birth control pills can increase the risk of some types of cancers and decrease the risk of others. A WHO group’s classification of the pill as a carcinogen doesn’t mean users are guaranteed to get cancer.
Evidence shows that birth control pills containing the hormones estrogen and progestin can increase the risk of different types of cancers and decrease the risk of others. Since 1999, the World Health Organization ’s group that identifies hazards known to cause cancer in humans has classified the pill as a carcinogen because it said there’s sufficient evidence demonstrating it causes cancer at some exposure levels or in some circumstances.
The classification does not say anything about specific risk, which varies depending on the exposure types, exposure levels and a person’s risk profile."The WHO has just released a statement labeling birth control pills as a Group 1 cancer-causing agent," one conservative commentatorwhat it called"breaking news" that the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer lists birth control pills as a"Group 1" carcinogen. That’s alarming. And it’s not entirely inaccurate — but it’s also more nuanced than what the posts say. There’s a lot to know about birth control pills and cancer risk. Yes, scientific evidence shows that birth control pills can increase the risk of some types of cancers. Research also shows that taking the pill decreases the risk of some cancers. And although the WHO classified the pill as a cancer risk, it did so 25 years ago — this is not new. None of this means that if you’ve been taking the pill for years you’re certainly going to get cancer.use hormones estrogen and progestin to block conception. This medication is often colloquially called"the pill" and it is sometimes referred to as combined birth control pills. The combined hormones stop or reduce, an ovary’s release of an egg, and make it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg. They alsoon oral contraceptives described them as"one of the most effective ways to prevent unintended and high-risk pregnancies" and"a major public health achievement" that has improved women’s health and reduced maternal mortality. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a WHO group that identifies hazards known to cause cancer in humans, in 1999 classified the pill as a carcinogen because it1999 report on hormonal contraception concluded that birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin fall within its"Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans" classification. The agency reaffirmed that findingthe strength of the evidence showing something causes cancer at some exposure levels or in some circumstances. But it does not say anything about specific risk, which varies depending on the exposure types, exposure levels and a person’s unique profile.asbestos, solar radiation and alcoholic beverage consumption. It also explains how smoking tobacco and secondhand tobacco smoke exposure are both classified as"Group 1" carcinogens. That they share the same classification does not mean that taking birth control pills is as likely to cause cancer as regularly smoking cigarettes. Two hazards in the same group should not be compared, Terrasse said. Such comparisons can be misleading because there is so much variety when it comes to exposure types, and personal risk levels.study found that people using hormonal contraceptives, including intrauterine devices, had a higher risk of cervical cancer compared with nonusers. The study also said people taking combined birth control pills who have mutations to theirGiven the conflicting information, it’s important to consider the absolute health risks of developing cancer or becoming pregnant — not just the potential increased risk that comes with the pill.That means even if, for example, the risk of cervical cancer is 50% higher for people taking combined birth control pills, that’s still a risk of less than 1%, said Liz Borkowski, deputy director at the Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health. People can also reduce their cervical cancer risk by getting the Ultimately, people should consider their health and risk factors, lifestyle habits and thoughts on pregnancy when deciding what contraception to use. "A key thing to remember about contraception is that it’s supposed to prevent pregnancy," Borkowski said."So people need to compare the side effects and risks of any method they’re considering against the many elevated health risks that accompany pregnancy, and factor in how well the method prevents pregnancy and how important it is to them to not get pregnant at this point in their life." Email interview with Veronique Terrasse, International Agency for Research on Cancer communication officer, March 10, 2026 Email interview with Liz Borkowski, deputy director at the Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health and a George Washington University department of health policy and management researcher, March 9, 2026 “No están recibiendo el entrenamiento tradicional de cinco meses… .El entrenamiento para los agentes de ICE ahora es de 47 días”. There was not “a single, prominent conservative voice in the country that even remotely wanted or hoped or was pushing to get Jimmy Kimmel taken off the air.” "BREAKING: So the Israeli media reports Itamar Ben‑Gvir died in a 'car crash,' while in fact he’s been obliterated by an Iranian missile strike on his home." El Presidente de El Salvador Nayib Bukele dijo, “con las guerras que ha empezado Donald Trump les pido a todos los inmigrantes en Estados Unidos que piensen en salir de ese país”.
Birth Control The Pill Contraceptive Hormones Carcinogen
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Here’s Where China Might Land Its First Astronauts on the MoonRimae Bode—a volcanic region on the Moon’s nearside—offers strategic advantages for a human landing as well as rich opportunities for scientific research, according to a new study.
Read more »
Keep calm and be transparent: advice from scientists who retracted their papersRetractions correct the scientific record, but they have stigma attached to them. Some in the research community want that to change. Retractions correct the scientific record, but they have stigma attached to them. Some in the research community want that to change.
Read more »
The 'invisible giant' at the heart of our galaxy | Space photo of the day for March 11, 2026Brett is curious about emerging aerospace technologies, alternative launch concepts, military space developments and uncrewed aircraft systems. Brett's work has appeared on Scientific American, The War Zone, Popular Science, the History Channel, Science Discovery and more.
Read more »
White House boasts $4T in new U.S. investment as Trump pushes America FirstTrump visited Thermo Fisher Scientific on Wednesday. The biotech company pledged to invest an additional $2 billion over the next years.
Read more »
Trump Celebrates $4 Trillion Investment in US Manufacturing, Announces Visit to OhioPresident Trump highlights substantial investments by American companies in U.S. manufacturing, totaling over $4 trillion, and plans a visit to Thermo Fisher Scientific. The investments aim to boost domestic production and create jobs, aligning with the 'America First' agenda. This report summarizes the investments and provides relevant updates.
Read more »
St. Clair County public health gets ‘MAGA’ makeover, from fluoride to vaccinesSt. Clair County, nestled between Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron and famous as the boyhood home of Thomas Edison, is amid a contentious scientific debate over accepted notions of government and public health.
Read more »