A controversial circulate on Tiktok and other social networks: Internet users claim that the contraceptive pills is as dangerous as the tobacco or thealcoholbased on a ranking of theWorld Health Organization (WHO) from 2005. This disinformation is based on a misinterpretation: only the Combined pills (estrogen-progestogen) are classified in the groupe 1 carcinogenic substances by International Center for Cancer Research (CIRC)unlike the mini-pill (progestogen alone), classified in Group 2B (“Maybe carcinogenic”). THE relative risk breast cancer increases by 20-30 % with the combined pill, but the absolute risk remains low (of 11 % about 14 % on a life). THE French health authorities call to check the information to counter these rumors.
Different interpretation of the WHO classification
In 2005, the CIRC fromOMS ranked them Combined pills (progenic estrogen) in the groupe 1 Carcinogenic substances, due to an increased risk of breast cancer, cervix and liver. There mini-pill (progestogen alone) is in the Group 2Bindicating an unconfirmed risk, according to the CIRC (2007). However, “being in group 1 does not mean that the risks are equivalent”, specifies a report of CIRC. The tobacco cause 30 % of cancers In France, thealcohol 8 %against less than 1 % For combined pills, according to theInstitute National du Cancer (Inca) (2023). Social networks amplify this confusion, exaggerating the danger of the pill.
The real risks of oral contraceptives
THE Combined pills Increase the relative risk of can be can be of 20-30 %or a passage of an absolute risk of 11 % about 14 % on a life, according to theINCa. This risk decreases after stopping the pill. On the other hand, combined pills reduce the risk of ovary and endometrium cancer. There mini-pillless studied, presents an even lower risk. “Profits and risks must be assessed with a doctor,” said theOMS (2023). L’National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) recommends medical follow -up to choose suitable contraception. This disinformation On social networks can dissuade women from consulting, harming their health.
Fight disinformation on social networks
THE French health authorities encourage the verification of information from reliable sources, such asOMS or theINCaand the reporting of misleading content on cybermalveillance.gouv.fr.
Rumors on social networks must be confronted with scientific data.
declares a spokesperson for theINCaquoted by The world (2024). Users are invited to consult health professionals for reliable contraception information. In a world where Tiktok And other platforms influence perceptions, increased vigilance is crucial to protecting public health from false alerts.
@lenna.vivaspetite rectification: no the pill is not as harmful as cigarettes and alcohol, the risk is less and my support for all women who suffer from endometriosis (we know that you have no choice) 🫂 There are several types of pill and “less worse” inquire with a health professional 🫶🏼 ♬ They are original – Lenna Vivas
