Do contraceptives increase cancer risk?

TIKTOK has a way of mak­ing health scares go viral overnight. Recently, one video claiming that ‘the pill is now classified as a Group 1 car­cinogen, like tobacco and alcohol’ has racked up millions of views and sparked panic among women worldwide.

Some are even considering ditching their contraceptives al­together. What is true, and what’s fearmongering? Let’s unpack what scientists and doctors ac­tually know about birth control, cancer risk and your health.

Lately, TikTok has been buzzing with alarming claims: “The pill is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, just like tobacco and alcohol.” Understandably, this has sparked panic. But the truth, as health experts point out, is far more nuanced.

What the WHO says

The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the combined contraceptive pill (oestrogen + progestogen) as ‘car­cinogenic to humans’ since 2005.

This does not mean the pill is as dangerous as tobacco or asbes­tos. It means there is strong evi­dence that it can increase cancer risk in some situations. The mini pill (progestogen-only) is not in Group 1, but in Group 2B, mean­ing it is possibly carcinogenic.

What the science shows

Research suggests that hormo­nal contraceptives can slightly increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer. A 2023 study by Oxford University’s Cancer Ep­idemiology Unit found that use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with a 20–30 per cent higher risk of breast cancer.

However, there’s another side: Contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers. Long-term use has been linked to a 40–50 per cent lower risk of ovarian cancer according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Why the ‘As carcinogenic as to­bacco’ claim is misleading

Group 1 carcinogens include very different substances, such as processed meat, alcohol, tobacco and even sunlight. Being on the same list does not mean equal risk. Smoking is far more likely to cause cancer than taking the pill, but both are sup­ported by scientific evidence as risks.

Cancer Research UK’s Claire Knight explains it best: “Hormo­nal contraception can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, but the risk is small, especially in women under 50, who are most likely to use it. “Benefits, such as preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of certain cancers, often outweigh the risks. Decisions should always be made with a doctor.”

Every day, carcinogens are everywhere

It helps to remember that can­cer-causing agents are part of dai­ly life. Alcohol, processed meats, tanning beds, asbestos and even too much sunlight all fall into the same category. Yet most of us bal­ance the risks with the benefits of living a normal life. The key is balance and aware­ness. Not every carcinogen guar­antees cancer; genetics, lifestyle and length of exposure matter. For example, sunlight is a Group 1 carcinogen, but avoiding it com­pletely would harm your health.

So, should you stop taking the pill? Not necessarily. The pill is not a sudden danger, but it is not without risk. It has both risks and benefits, and these can vary for each woman. When deciding, consider the risks, benefits, your family histo­ry, lifestyle and health needs. If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about alternative options. If you’re con­cerned about long-term cancer risks, remember that the pill also protects against other cancers.

If you want reliable contracep­tion, long-acting methods like IUDs or implants may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. The viral claims have stirred fear, but they leave out the bigger picture: Hormonal contraceptives come with both risks and protec­tive benefits. For most women, the risks are small and often outweighed by the benefits of pregnancy preven­tion and reduced risk of certain cancers.

If you’re worried, the best step isn’t to panic-scroll TikTok or quit your pill overnight. It’s important to have an honest conversation with a doctor about your health, your family history and your priorities.