New Study Identifies Hormonal Contraceptives Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk in Sweden
A new Swedish study links specific hormonal contraceptives, especially those with desogestrel and levonorgestrel, to an increased breast cancer risk, prompting calls for informed contraceptive choices.
- • Hormonal contraceptive use linked to a 24% increased breast cancer incidence among over two million Swedish women.
- • Desogestrel-containing contraceptives show nearly 50% higher breast cancer risk after 5-10 years of use.
- • Levonorgestrel-based contraceptives have a 20% increased breast cancer risk; drospirenon-containing pills show no significant risk.
- • Women with a family history of breast cancer should be particularly cautious when choosing contraceptives.
Key details
A recent comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University and SciLifeLab has found that specific hormonal contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among Swedish women aged 13 to 49. The research, analyzing data from over two million women using national registries from 2006 to 2019, revealed a 24% higher incidence of breast cancer in women who have ever used hormonal contraceptives compared to non-users. Published in Jama Oncology, the study underscores the importance of considering the different risks posed by contraceptives containing various synthetic progestins, known as gestagens.
Notably, contraceptives containing desogestrel, such as Cerazette, Desolett, and Mercilon, were linked to nearly a 50% increased breast cancer risk after 5 to 10 years of use. Levonorgestrel-containing products, including Trionetta, Prionelle, and Neovletta, showed approximately a 20% increased risk. In contrast, contraceptives with drospirenon, like Yaz, Yasmin, and Rosal, did not show a statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk.
The study’s lead researcher, Åsa Johansson, emphasized the critical need for women, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, to be informed about these varying risks when choosing contraceptive methods. She also reminded that while hormonal contraceptives carry certain risks, they provide significant benefits such as effective pregnancy control, reduced ovarian cancer risk, and relief from menstrual pain. Previous studies suggest the increased breast cancer risk diminishes after discontinuing use, with no long-term risk detected five years post-cessation.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Sweden, representing about 26% of female cancer cases, with 8,898 new cases reported in 2023. The study was partly funded by the Cancer Foundation, highlighting its importance for public health awareness. Researchers and healthcare providers alike are encouraged to consider these findings to support informed contraceptive choices.