Has the WHO classified the contraceptive pill as a carcinogenic in the same way as tobacco?

For the past few days. Nevertheless, a viral rumor has beenulting social networks: the contraceptive pill would be considered by the WHO as as carcinogenic as tobacco or asbestos. Nevertheless, An anxiety -provoking affirmation, relayed massively on Tiktok and X, which worries thousands of women. However, What really really? Similarly, We conducted the investigation.

A classification dating from 2005, and largely out of context? Therefore, Contrary to what certain viral publications suggest, it is not a recent decision. Meanwhile, In reality. Similarly, it was in 2005 that the International Center for Research on Cancer (CIRC), an WHO agency, classified combined contraceptive pills those that combine estrogen and progestogen in the category of group carcinogens 1. In addition, This classification means that “there is sufficient evidence in humans that the substance causes cancer”. Meanwhile, But that does not mean that all agents in group 1 are who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic also dangerous.

“It should be remembered that this classification is based solely on the existence of an established link. Consequently, not on the intensity of the risk. Similarly, Tobacco is 100 times more dangerous than the pill on the cancer level ”, explains Dr. Similarly, Michaël Grynberg, head of gynecology-obstetrics at Antoine-Béclère (AP-HP) hospital.

The main concern of Internet users concerns breast cancer. Therefore, Indeed. Nevertheless, several studies, including one published in 2023 in PLOS Medicineconfirmed a relative increase in the risk of 20 to 30 % in women using hormonal contraceptives, combined or not. In addition, But then again, the figure can deceive.

“In absolute figures, this who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic amounts to going from a risk of 11 % to 14 %”nuances Professor Gillian Reeves, co-author of the British study.

Another important point: the risk decreases rapidly after stopping the pill. Inserm confirms that this is a moderate and temporary increase. In addition, this risk mainly concerns women over 40, in whom the combined pill is little or more prescribed.

“Do not panic,” reacts Dr. Odile Bagot – Who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic

Contacted by us. Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist and author of the blog Mam Gynecologistwishes to reassure:

“The profits/risk balance remains largely favorable, especially in young women. The breast cancer over-risk is modest and transient. It should not be overestimated or used to demonize hormonal contraception. »»

She also points out that women with personal. family history of cancer never see this type of contraception without prior assessment. Social networks often forget to mention another well documented aspect: the pill protects against several other types of cancers.

According to the who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic CNGOF (National College of French Gynecologists. Obstetricians) and Inserm, the oral contraceptives reduce the risk of cancer of the endometrium and the ovary up to 50 %, as well as those of the colon and the rectum.

“The protective profit on these cancers lasts up to 30 years after contraception”. Specifies Professor Samir Hamamah, reproductive biologist at the Montpellier University Hospital.

The dangers of the pill: a regularly instrumentalized debate

This rumor is not the first. Already in 2019, several influencers had shared similar content on YouTube or Instagram. The problem is not to ask the question of the side effects of the pill-which exist. are known-but to distort scientific facts and to feed a general distrust of medicine based on evidence.

“You should neither demonize nor trivialize. Hormonal contraception is not trivial. but it is a medical choice to make on a case -by -case basis, with a professional ”concludes Dr Grynberg.

The who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic contraceptive pill is well classified as group 1 carcinogenic by CIRS since 2005. But this category designates agents for which a link with cancer has been established, without hierarchy of dangerousness. The risk linked to the pill remains moderate, temporary, and compensated by protective effects against other cancers. It is therefore neither a “medical bomb” nor a “conspiracy theory”. Just a more complex medical reality than social networks suggest it.

What are the dangers of the contraceptive pill?

The contraceptive pill is regularly controversial. If it remains a largely prescribed method of contraception, many questions persist on its side effects and long -term risks. So what are the real dangers of the pill?

Most women under pill report. especially at the start of treatment, side effects such as:

• nausea,
• mood swings,
• moderate weight gain,
• a drop in libido,
• Breast pain.

According to the Vidal, these effects are frequent but transient for the majority of who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic users.

The contraceptive pill: rarer but very real risks

Rarer but more serious. some dangers justify strict medical supervision:

First of all, there is a risk of thromboembolic (phlebitis, pulmonary embolism). Indeed, combined pills (estroprogestatives) increase the risk of the formation of blood clots. This risk is multiplied by 2 to 4 compared to women not taking hormonal contraceptive. according to a meta-analysis published in the BMJ.

“The risk remains very low in young women who are not smoky and without history, but it does exist. Hence the importance of a prescription before prescription ”recalls Dr. Martin Winckler, general practitioner and author of several works on contraception.

Then. taking the pill also has the risk of cancer: the use of the combined pill is associated with a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer (20-30 %), according to a study published in PLOS Medicine (2023). This sur-risk gradually disappears after the cessation of contraception. who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic There may also be risks of ovary, endometrium and colon cancer. On the other hand. the pill “protects” against certain cancers:

• -30 to -50 % for ovary and endometrium
• -20 % for colorectal cancer (according to Inserm, CNGOF)

Finally, it can also have cardiovascular risks: in women over 35, smoky or hypertensive, the pill can increase the risk of stroke and infarction. This risk is also increased in migraine women with aura.

Some women report anxiodepressive symptoms or a marked drop in quality of life under pill. A Danish study published in JAMA Psychiatry (2016) had shown a statistical link between hormonal contraception. antidepressant prescriptions, especially among adolescent girls. But the cause and effect link remains controversial.

“Some patients feel better without pill, others tolerate it very well psychologically. There is no absolute rule “underlines Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist.

Less known. progestin -based pills alone (Cerazette type) have a more favorable risk profile: no who classified contraceptive pill carcinogenic proven thromboembolic risk and no known effect on the risk of breast cancer. They are favored in breastfeeding women, or with contraindications to estrogens.

The contraceptive pill remains an effective and safe tool for the majority of women. But she is not trivial. Its side effects must be clearly exposed. and its prescription evaluated on a case -by -case basis, depending on the history, the lifestyle, and the needs of each woman.

“The real danger is the lack of information”, concludes Professor Michaël Grynberg. “A well -informed woman is able to make a free and enlightened choice. »»