All forms of hormonal contraception carry breast cancer risk, study finds

Research shows small increase in risk until about five years after contraception is stopped, despite hopes that newer types might prove safer

All forms of the pill and other hormonal contraception carry a small risk of breast cancer, which lasts for about five years after women stop taking it, according to new research.

The increased risk has been known for some time, but there were hopes that newer forms of hormonal contraception - such as those which release progesterone only - would be safer. However, the new study in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms the 20% added risk that women run - although that is still very small for those not at high risk already.