Breast cancer and the combined pill

If you have a family history of breast cancer, taking the combined pill might increase this risk. Let’s take a look at the potential relationship between breast cancer and the combined pill, and if you might be at risk.

Can you take the combined pill if you have a family history of breast cancer

You should tell your doctor if you have a family history of breast cancer when you’re requesting the pill. If you are aware that your family carries a mutated BRCA gene, the combined pill could further increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

What are BRCA genes?

Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. They usually protect us from breast and ovarian cancer. However, a BRCA mutation can happen when the DNA within the gene becomes altered or damaged. Then the genes do not protect us.

Faulty BRCA genes mostly increase the risk of breast cancer in women. They can also increase the risk of other cancers, like ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer in men.

Do BRCA genes run in families?

Genes are inherited from parents. If a parent has a BRCA gene mutation, there’s a 50% chance they will pass it on to each child. Men and women with these mutations face increased cancer risks, but not everyone with the mutation has a family history of cancer

Does the contraceptive pill cause breast cancer?

Using the combined pill slightly raises the risk of breast cancer compared to those who do not use it. However, ten years after discontinuing the pill, the risk returns to normal, as if it had never been taken. There are other factors that can affect risk, so it is important to discuss this with a clinician.

How can the combined pill increase my risk of cancer?

This contraceptive pill contains synthetic hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones mimic the natural hormones in your body but at higher or sustained levels, which can influence cell behaviour in breast tissue. This may increase the risk of developing cancers such as breast or cervical cancer.

Does taking the mini-pill affect cancer risk?

Research shows that there is not enough evidence to suggest a link between breast cancer and the mini-pill (progestogen-only pill). Any risk is likely to be minimal and temporary.

Assessing your risk

Breast cancer is very common – it can happen unexpectedly and with no family history. However, it’s useful to know which patterns to look out for when assessing your risk.

Patterns to look out for include:

Someone in your family had breast cancer before the age of 40
A relative who has had breast cancer in both breasts
Several family members have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
A male relative had breast cancer
Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, as this group has a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations

Consulting a doctor

If you’re worried about your risk, consult your GP about a potential referral to a breast or genetic clinic, especially if you’re over 35. Don’t stop taking the combined pill without medical advice if you’re currently using it. Always discuss your individual risk with a healthcare professional before making decisions about contraception.