The pill protects women from cancer for 30 years
New research shows contraceptive can prevent forms of the disease
WOMEN who used birth control pills are protected from some cancers for up to 30 years, a study found.
They are less likely to have bowel, womb or ovarian cancer than those who have never used the contraceptive, scientists said.
The world’s longest-running study into the effects of taking the pill was led by researchers at Aberdeen University.
It looked at the risk of all types of cancer in women who have taken the contraceptive.
Results showed using the pill during their reproductive years does not produce new cancer risks
later in life – the time when more cancers occur.
Established in 1968, the oral contraception study examined long-term health effects of oral contraceptives. The latest findings relate to 46,000 women followed for up to 44 years.
Dr Lisa Iversen, research fellow in the uni’s Institute of Applied Health Sciences, said: “What we found from looking at up to 44 years’ worth of data was that, having ever used the pill, women are less likely to get colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancer.
“So the protective benefits from using the pill during their reproductive years last for at least 30 years after women stopped using it.
“We did not find any evidence of new cancer risks appearing later in life as women get older.”
Dr Iverson said the results were reassuring.