Taking any type of hormonal contraception could increase the risk of developing breast cancer, a new study has found.
New research published by Oxford Population Health's Cancer Epidemiology Unit has found that using progestogen-only hormonal contraceptives — for example, the oral 'mini pill', implant, injectable and intra-uterine device (known as a 'coil') — could increase the chances of developing breast cancer by 20 to 30%.
Previous studies found that taking the combined pill, which includes both oestrogen and progestogen, slightly increased the risk of the disease. However, the risk was found to decrease again when the pill was no longer taken.
Data collected by the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) allowed researchers to analyse 9,498 women who developed invasive breast cancer between the ages of 20 and 29, as well as 18,171 closely-matched women who did not develop the disease.
The risk of developing breast cancer was studied over a 15-year period, analysing the health of women who had been using oral contraceptives.
The findings identified a risk of eight in 100,000 women who used the hormonal contraceptives from age 16 to 25. The risk for women taking hormonal contraception between 35 and 39-years-old was much greater at 265 in 100,000.
Researchers stated that 44% of the women in the study who developed breast cancer — and 39% of those who did not — had been prescribed hormonal contraceptive for an average of three years before diagnosis, with half taking a progestogen-only variety.
But what signs and symptoms should women across the country look out for? Here is what you need to know.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
According to the NHS, you should make an appointment with your GP if:
- you find a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast
- your breasts change shape or size - either one of both breasts
- you experience discharge or fluid from either or both of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- skin changes on your breasts such as a change to look or feeling, puckering, dimpling, rash, redness
- an eczema like rash, crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple/nipples
- your nipples change appearance, for examples become sunken into your breast
It is important to remember that most breast lump are not cancerous, but it is always best to have them checked by a doctor.
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