In particular, in regards to ovarian cancer, which is actually very aggressive, the reduction in cancer risk that is obtained with taking a combined oral contraceptive (COC: pill, ring or patch) it is very advantageous. This happens because COCs do not cause a “blockage” of the ovaries, but keep them “at rest,” that is, you are not ovulating. This rest is beneficial for women who do not have pregnancies, since it is known that ovarian cancer is related to ovulations. Uninterrupted ovulation is one of the causes of ovarian cancer. COCs prevent ovulation, and thus exact a protective effect, especially with prolonged use (> 10 years). It has been shown that one can reduce the relative risk of ovarian cancer by 20% for every 5 years of use of the combined pill or another COC.
For other types of cancer (such as breast), the effects of COCs are not significant. It’s true that there may be personal risk factors, or tumors in place, in which case it’s better to avoid taking them, but in this case you will have already been well informed by your gynecologist and together you will have made the right decision for you.
