Taking oral contraceptive pills for birth control actually reduced cervical cancer risk, according to a new research study done by Aberdeen University on 46,000 women over a 36-year period. Use of birth control pills decreased the cancer risk in women by up to 12% according to the research article published in the British Medical Journal.
These results are contrary to the popular perception among both women and physicians. Researchers used data from Royal College of oral contraception study.
But women are at risk for cervical cancer if they are taking contraceptive pills for more than 8 years. Pill should be used for contraceptive purposes only but not for cancer prevention.
This is one of the extensive research studies ever done on contraceptive pills- cancer relation. Average age of women who participated in the research study was 29. This study alleviates the cancer fear among millions of women who are taking contraceptive pills. This wonder drug lost some popularity due to cervical cancer side effect. We may need extensive studies to get clear idea on this controversial subject.
