Women who take the contraceptive pill for ten years almost halve their risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, according to a new study. But experts say this must be balanced against the risk of breast cancer, which is higher in women on the pill. For every 100,000 women on the Pill for 10 years there are 50 extra breast cancers and 12 fewer ovarian cancers, data shows. "Women may be reassured to know that the oral contraceptive is not only an effective contraceptive but can have the added benefit of reducing their risk of ovarian cancer," the BBC quoted Dr Richard Edmondson of the Northern Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle, as saying. "These results are important because most women don't know that taking the Pill or getting pregnant can help reduce their risk of ovarian cancer later on in life," he added. The study followed more than 300,000 women enrolled in a large European study known as EPIC (European Prospective Investigation of Cancer). The women were taking the combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains two hormones, an oestrogen and a progestogen. Researchers say they found evidence that taking the Pill for 10 years reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by almost half, compared with women who had used the contraceptive for a year or less. The team also say it found evidence that having a baby reduced the risk of ovarian cancer; the more children a woman had, the bigger the protection.
GMT 16:54 2018 Thursday ,06 December
Prominent Rwandan activist Diane Rwigara acquitted of 'insurrection'GMT 21:37 2018 Friday ,23 November
Bahrain's efforts to protect women's rights praisedGMT 12:30 2018 Tuesday ,30 October
Women wrestlers take on tradition in south IraqGMT 11:04 2018 Friday ,26 October
EU gender pay gap means women work for free from November 3GMT 10:56 2018 Monday ,15 October
Halep clinches year-end top spot in women's tennis rankingsGMT 11:20 2018 Friday ,12 October
Young Egyptian woman serves as minister for a dayGMT 16:20 2018 Wednesday ,10 October
Palestinian champions ‘drift’ racing for womenGMT 09:36 2018 Tuesday ,02 October
Kuwaiti women's empowering initiative hailedMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor