Research summary
March 2006
New research into a contraceptive pill which may cut risk of breast cancer
Summary
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are developing a contraceptive pill which they hope will not carry the same increased risk of breast cancer associated with the current combined oral contraceptive pill. The researchers also anticipate the new contraceptive pill will be helpful in the treatment of fibroids, endometriosis and pre-menstrual syndrome and will reduce the risk of blood clots.
The current combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, stops eggs from being released into the womb each month and changes the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg cannot implant and grow. The pill being developed does not contain these hormones, and works instead by blocking the hormone progesterone, stopping the monthly cycle of periods.
The researchers anticipate that reducing the body’s monthly exposure to oestrogen and progesterone will reduce the risk of breast cancer associated with the current contraceptive pill.
Researchers claim initial trials have provided positive results and have indicated the new pill could be available within five years.
National Breast Cancer Centre comment
The current combined oral contraceptive pill has been found to be associated with a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. This increase is believed to be due mainly to the increased exposure of the body to female hormones. It is important to note that most women use the pill when they are at a younger age and therefore at a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
The increased risk of developing breast cancer is reduced back down to the level of a woman who has never used the oral contraceptive pill after ten years of a woman stopping the oral contraceptive pill.
The National Breast Cancer welcomes research into the development of an oral contraceptive pill that is effective, safe and is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, these trials are at an early stage and the new pill has only been tested in a small number of women. The benefits of the pill in reducing the risk of breast cancer have only been observed in animals. At this time it is only theorised that the new pill may have a similar effect in humans.
Further research will inform us about the longer-term outcomes and safety of the new oral contraceptive pill.