Is there a link between birth control pills and breast cancer?

There's some evidence that hormonal types of birth control raise the risk of breast cancer. These include birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones. But the risk is very small. And it drops after you stop using hormonal birth control.

Talk with a member of your health care team about your birth control options. Your health care professional can help you weigh the benefits and risks. The benefits of birth control pills include:

• Controlling menstrual bleeding.
• Preventing unwanted pregnancy.
• Lowering the risk of other cancers, such as endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.