Hormonal Contraceptives Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk in Millions of Women

Recent studies have confirmed that hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Research involving millions of women, such as a large Swedish cohort study, found that the use of hormonal contraceptives, especially progestin-only types, raises breast cancer risk by about 12 to 24 percent compared to non-users. The risk is particularly higher among women over 45 and those with genetic predispositions. Despite the increased risk, the absolute number of additional breast cancer cases remains relatively low, and medical experts emphasize weighing these risks against the benefits of hormonal contraceptives. In addition to risk awareness, new AI technology like Clairity Breast can predict breast cancer risk from mammograms years in advance, aiding early detection and personalized care. Healthcare providers encourage women to discuss these findings and consider comprehensive risk assessments to make informed decisions about contraceptive use and breast cancer prevention.