Hormonal Birth Control Linked to Modest Breast Cancer Risk, Study Finds

According to a large Swedish study published in October 2025, the use of hormonal birth control is linked to a modest increase in breast cancer risk. The study, which tracked over 2 million teenage girls and women under 50 for more than a decade, found that while hormonal contraception remains safe overall, there are small differences in breast cancer risk based on the specific hormones used.

The researchers observed a small, short-term rise in breast cancer diagnoses among current or recent users of hormonal contraceptives. However, they stressed that the increase is modest, with the risk highest during current use and fading within 5 to 10 years after stopping. Experts say the findings are consistent with prior large studies and won't change how they advise patients.

Still, doctors warn that the nuanced results are being oversimplified and taken out of context on social media, with some alarmist claims comparing hormonal birth control to the dangers of smoking. Reproductive health advocates say this can scare people away from using contraceptives, which provide many important health benefits beyond pregnancy prevention.

Experts emphasize that the overall risk of breast cancer remains low, even with the small increase found in the study. They encourage women to continue using their preferred birth control method and have open discussions with their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits.