Regularly taking the pill 'helps prevent two forms of cancer' decades after use

Research found that protection can last for 30 years after use has stopped, with every five years of taking the pill reducing chance of womb cancer by a quarter

The pill not only prevents pregnancy but protects women from two forms of cancer for decades after they have stopped using it, say leading experts.

Oxford University researchers say in the past 10 years, taking the pill has prevented 200,000 cases of womb cancer in high-income countries. In 2008, the Oxford epidemiologists, analysing the data from 45 studies involving 100,000 women, found that regular use for 15 years can halve the risk of ovarian cancer.