I posted this on the BCP board, but still havent had a response. There are several ladies that are interested in this question, so maybe someone viewing this board will know...
I started taking BCPs when I was 15 yrs old to deal with horrible periods and PCOS symptoms. I stayed on them until I decided to start ttc at the age of 23. I went back on them around age 27 and now I'm 31.
I have always taken a birth control pill that was 1/35 or less (mini pill). I know there have been studies out that say BCPs can increase your risk of cervical and breast cancer. BUt how true is this? Does anyone know? I heard the other day that a study showed that those who take bcp prior to becomming pregnant also raise their breast cancer risk.
So, are BCPs safe? Am I doing more harm than good by staying on them? If I go off of them, what can I do to deal with pcos symptoms?
__________________ Me 31/DH 33
BCP & Spiro
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All medications have side affects. I'm on BC because I trust my Dr. Sure they can make mistakes but you need to ask yourself how much you trust your Dr. I weigh the risk of staying on them vs. the risk of going off. Personally, I like the way they control my symptoms and think the other risks are minor. But only because I trust my Dr.
GSDDiver: Thanks for responding!! For the most part, I like the way BCPs control my symptoms and I also like the fact they keep my cycles regular. But now that I have hit my 30s, I'm looking more into the future and wondering if this is the best option for me. I understand that breast cancer is fueled by estrogen and I know I am taking estrogen every single time I take a pill. I just wasnt sure if the studies are related to the amount of BCP people use (1/50, 1/35, micro pill) or what. I plan to discuss this with my doctor on my next visit. But I was hoping someone might be able to answer it before then.
__________________ Me 31/DH 33
BCP & Spiro
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I am a radiation oncologist and treat cancer patients everyday - I have thought about this question a lot and basically it comes down to this - if we didn't take BCP to regulate our cycles, our endometrial lining would build up and that puts you at increased risk for endometrial cancer. You are not at an increased risk for cervical cancer, but there is a small increased risk for breast cancer, but if you are on the low-dose pills the risk is even smaller. So don't worry - you will be fine....
Take care,
Reena
PCOS, BCP and Breast Cancer 
