Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- birth control - Hormonal contraceptives
- Birth control pills - Pro 1: Birth control pills are safe and offer additional health benefits.
- ovarian cancer
- Birth control pills - How the pill works
- Birth control pills - Con 1: Women who take birth control pills without medical supervision can put themselves at risk.
How is long-term use of birth control pills linked to ovarian and endometrial cancer risk?
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birth control
A 28-day package of birth control pills.
Long-term use of birth control pills is associated with a decreased risk of developing both ovarian and endometrial cancers.123
Research indicates that individuals who use oral contraceptives over the long term experience a significant reduction in risk for these conditions:
- Ovarian Cancer: Long-term use is associated with a 30 to 50 percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer.2
- Endometrial Cancer: Long-term use is associated with at least a 30 percent lower risk of endometrial cancer.2
These protective benefits are notable because they often develop after several years of use and can persist even after a person has stopped taking the medication. While hormonal contraceptives are associated with certain risks—such as an increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots, particularly in older users or those who smoke—the reduction in cancer risk is considered a significant health benefit of the pill.13