Cervical cancer is a serious problem affecting women globally. It is causing millions of deaths every year. Statistics show that cases of this cancer are being reported rapidly among Indian women also. Given the risks, during the budget session, the government has emphasized increasing cervical cancer vaccination in the country. Health experts say all women need to be careful about the risks of this cancer.
Cervical cancer is a condition of uncontrolled growth of cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be the main cause of this type of cancer. The HPV virus is spread through sexual contact. Normally our immune system destroys this virus, but people with weak immunity are at higher risk of infection and cervical cancer.
Meanwhile, in a recent study, researchers reported that women who use oral contraceptive pills excessively may also have a higher risk of developing cervical and breast cancer.
Harmful effects of oral contraceptive pills
Oral contraceptive pills have been used to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but can they cause cancer risk? Researchers have shown in a recent study that excessive consumption of contraceptive pills increases the risk of cancer. Women who start taking contraceptive pills from an early age are at higher risk.
Women who had used oral contraceptive pills for five or more years had a higher risk of cervical cancer than women who had never used them, the researchers said.
The risk of breast cancer may also increase
The study found that using these pills for 5 years could increase the risk of cervical cancer by 10% and using it for 5-to 9 years could increase the risk by 60%. However, research also says that if the use of contraceptives is stopped, it can also help reduce these risks.
Apart from cervical cancer, excessive consumption of these medicines has also been found to be a risk factor for breast cancer. Data analysis of more than 150,000 women showed that women who had ever used oral contraceptive pills had a seven percent higher risk of breast cancer than others. Consuming too much of it can increase your risks by 24%.
What did the study find?
Researchers said, our body naturally produces two hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Some cancer cells have receptors that allow them to use these hormones to grow. Oral contraceptive pills contain synthetic (laboratory-made) forms of these hormones, so they can potentially increase your risk.
Experts believe that these pills change your cervical cells in a way that makes them more susceptible to HPV infection. Research shows that people who have used contraceptives for 5 or more years have more sensitive cells.
What do health experts say?
Health experts say that all women need to continue taking precautions to prevent both types of cancer. HPV vaccination can help protect you from cervical cancer and its complications, and regular screening and self-testing can help prevent breast cancer.
Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases worldwide, if it is diagnosed in time then treatment can be easy and the risk of death also reduces. Doctors say excessive consumption of oral contraceptive pills is also problematic for pregnancy, hence it is important to avoid it.
(PC: Agency, iStock)
