No more baby bumps or ovarian lumps
A new study finds a possible link between taking oral contraceptives and a decrease in ovarian cancer
Posted on February 4, 2008
Studies have shown that taking an oral contraceptive can cut the risk of contracting ovarian cancer in half. These benefits remain in effect for decades.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and is fifth in terms of deaths caused by cancer. In 2007, over 15,000 women died from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Like a lot of cancers, there’s not a clear cause of why people get ovarian cancer,” said Terry Wessel, a health sciences professor with a specialty in sexuality.
Even with routine doctors appointments, ovarian cancer is usually not detected until its later stages. The cancer is normally found in women over the age of 50.
British researchers at Oxford University published their results about the long-lasting effects of taking a birth control pill, analyzing data from 45 studies worldwide with over 100,000 women.
One possible reason scientists have studied the link between oral contraceptives and ovarian cancer is because of hormonal changes. Though the specific cause is unknown, it may be connected to how the pill changes estrogen and progestin levels and affects ovulation. This is similar to research that has shown that women who have had at least one pregnancy have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer.
“With more research over time, it’s logical they may find that other hormonal methods of contraceptives have similar effects,” Wessel said.
Freshman Mandy Moomaw, an interdisciplinary liberal studies major, said that these benefits are an added incentive for using oral contraceptives.
“Taking birth control all depends on what stage you are in your life and if you want kids then or not, but ovarian cancer is so dangerous and aggressive that it’s definitely something to consider,” she said.
While the pill may help fend off ovarian cancer, there are cardiovascular risks to taking the pill. These can include high blood pressure, blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. These risks increase exponentially for women over 35, especially those who smoke, Wessel said. These risks only last as long as a woman takes the pill.
Wessel said, “The benefits of cancer protection last for years after someone stops taking the pill, but the risks of taking the pill immediately stop as well.”
