What about cancer?

The Pill does affect your risk of certain types of cancer, and when you first decide to go on it, you should be told about this.

But it’s important for you to realise that the Pill actually reduces your chances of getting some cancers – while it increases the risk of others. As far as we know at the present (2005).

The Pill reduces your chance of getting:

cancer of the ovary

cancer of the womb (the endometrium)

possibly cancer of the bowel – a 60 per cent reduction in risk has been claimed, though this is still not proven.

The Pill increases your risk of getting:

breast cancer

cervical cancer – though this is almost entirely preventable by regular smear tests

liver cancer – though this is very rare.

The increase in breast cancer risk is now believed to be around 25 per cent - while you are actually on the Pill. But after you stop using the oral contraceptive, the risk soon reduces. Ten years after stopping the Pill, your risk is about the same as anyone else’s.

07/29/2010 05:59 PM

Calcium pills 'raise' heart risk

Calcium supplements taken by many older people could be increasing their risk of a heart attack, research shows.

07/29/2010 06:54 PM

Pregnant women rights questioned

The right of women to choose whether they have home births is being questioned by a leading medical journal.

07/29/2010 07:28 PM

Addiction drugs 'aid weight loss'

A combination pill of two drugs used to treat addiction may help people lose weight, say US researchers.

07/29/2010 11:17 AM

Child heart op ban 'should stay'

Children's heart surgery should remain suspended at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital where four babies died, a report says.

07/28/2010 06:07 PM

Public health fear in NHS revamp

The overhaul of the NHS may harm the public health drive, a health think tank is warning.

07/28/2010 05:48 AM

Say fat not obese, says minister

GPs and other health professionals should tell people they are fat rather than obese, England's public health minister says.

07/28/2010 06:07 PM

Hip hope from stem cell technique

Doctors may soon be able to patch up damaged bones and joints anywhere in the body with a simple shot in the arm.

07/27/2010 07:12 PM

Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis

Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found

07/27/2010 06:40 PM

Warning for obese mothers-to-be

Obesity levels among pregnant women have reached epidemic levels, putting the health of their babies at risk, experts say.

07/27/2010 07:08 AM

'Emergency fund' for cancer drugs

The government announces a £50m fund aimed at giving patients access to cancer drugs sooner.