Pill Cuts Risks of Ovarian Cancer

Jan 25, 01:07 AM

Researchers found taking the contraception for 15 years halved a woman's risk of being diagnosed with the cancer.

And using it for 10 years reduces the risk of death from ovarian cancer before the age of 75 from seven to five per 1000 women.

Experts say the study, which looked at evidence from 21 countries, proves the benefits of taking the Pill outweigh the health risks associated with it.

Researchers for the study, published in the medical journal The Lancet, found the protection against ovarian cancer did not vary depending on the type of Pill taken.

Past studies have linked it to an increased risk of breast and cervical cancers.

But co-author of the new study Richard Peto, professor of epidemiology at Oxford University, said: "Young women don't have to worry about cancer from taking the Pill.

"This is because the eventual reduction in ovarian cancer is bigger than any increase in other types of cancer caused by the Pill."

About 700 women in Scotland are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year and more than half die from it.

The disease is known as the "silent killer" because it is one of the hardest cancers to detect.

Dr Lesley Walker, of Cancer Research, said: "All women who have taken the Pill or are taking it should be reassured by this study."

About 350,000 women take the Pill in Scotland.

(c) 2008 Daily Record; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved. Pill Cuts Risks of Ovarian Cancer
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