HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (2024)

Find out how hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraceptives affect a woman’s risk of cancer. Plus read on to order a free copy of our Women’s health guide.

HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (1)

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    Hormone therapies, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives such as the combined contraceptive pill (also known as the Pill), play important roles in women’s health. While these treatments offer many benefits, there are also concerns about their potential impact on cancer risk. This page aims to provide the information you need to help you make informed decisions about your health.

    What is HRT?

    HRT is a treatment used to ease symptoms of the menopause by replacing hormones that naturally decline during this phase of life. It mainly contains oestrogen, often combined with progesterone (known as combined HRT). You can take HRT in various forms, including tablets, skin patches, gels, spray, pessaries or cream.

    What is the Pill and other hormonal contraceptives?

    Hormonal contraceptives are used for birth control (preventing pregnancy) and managing other health conditions. They come in various forms:

    • combined pill (contains oestrogen and progesterone)
    • mini-pill (contains progesterone only)
    • contraceptive patches (contains oestrogen and progesterone)
    • hormonal coil (contains progesterone only)
    • hormonal implant (contains progesterone only)
    • contraceptive injections (contains progesterone only)

    HRT and cancer risk

    We explore the links between taking HRT and a woman’s risk of cancer.

    Breast cancer

    Taking combined HRT can slightly increase risk of breast cancer. Using oestrogen-only HRT shows little or no increase in risk. The longer HRT is used and the older someone is, the greater the risk. But after HRT is stopped, risk gets smaller over time.

    Womb cancer

    Oestrogen-only HRT increases the risk of womb cancer. This is why its usually only prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the womb).

    Ovarian cancer

    Both oestrogen-only and combined HRT show a slight increased risk. The risk seems to reduce after stopping treatment.

    Bowel cancer

    Some evidence suggests HRT may lower the risk of bowel cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.

    Hormonal contraceptives and cancer risk

    We explore the links between taking hormonal contraceptives and a woman’s risk of cancer.

    Breast cancer

    The Pill and minipill slightly increases breast cancer risk. Within a few years of stopping, the risk disappears to as if it was never used.

    Cervical cancer

    The Pill may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer and the risk can increase the longer it is used. Within a few years of stopping, the risk disappears as if it was never used. The evidence is not as strong as for breast cancer and more research is needed.

    Ovarian, womb and bowel cancers

    Evidence suggests that the Pill may lower the risk of these cancers.

    The science behind hormone therapies and cancer

    • The increased cancer risks associated with hormone therapies are generally small.
    • For many women, the benefits of these hormone treatments are far greater than the risks.

    The relationship between hormone therapies and cancer risk is complex and still being studied.

    Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can affect the growth of certain cancer cells – this may explain the slight increased risks. But these hormones also play an important part in keeping us healthy. This is why treatments like HRT can have a number of benefits.

    It’s important to note that much of the research on HRT and cancer risk is based on older studies. These studies used different formulations than those commonly prescribed today. Newer hormones that are more similar to our own body may have different health effects, and research is ongoing.

    Our conclusion

    While hormone therapies like HRT and hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of certain cancers, these risks are generally small and often outweighed by the benefits for many women. It’s important not to use HRT for more than 5 years.

    Discuss your personal situation and medical history with your doctor to make the best decision for your health. For more information and support in the UK, visit the NHS website for HRT and hormonal contraception. Recommendations may vary depending on the country.

    Remember, the best way to reduce your overall cancer risk is by eating well, keeping active, keeping a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and keeping safe in the sun.

    HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (2)

    Women’s health guide

    Find out the facts and stay in control of your health with our free booklet

    Find out more

    Sources and references

    Explore the evidence and reduce your risk

    Cervical cancer

    HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (3)

    Cervical cancer

    Find out more about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine

    More on cervical cancer

    Head and neck cancer

    HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (4)

    Head and neck cancer

    Being a healthy weight and not drinking alcohol can cut your risk

    Learn more

    Prostate cancer

    HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (5)

    Prostate cancer

    African-Caribbean and African men have a higher risk of prostate cancer

    More on prostate cancer

    HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (6)

    Preventing cancer. Saving lives

    While society continues to search for a cure, our prevention and survival work helps people to live longer, healthier lives – free from the devastating effects of cancer.

    HRT, the Pill, contraception and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund (2024)
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