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Summary
Dr. Ify Aniebo explained on X that hormonal contraceptive pills are classified by the IARC as potentially carcinogenic, with combined pills linked to a slight increase in breast cancer risk. She emphasised that the overall individual risk remains low and said her aim is to educate the public with evidence-based research.
Associate Professor of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Dr. Ify Aniebo Rhodes-Vivour, has raised awareness on X about the cancer classifications of hormonal contraceptive pills. She cited findings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
She explained that the combined pill, which contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. This means there is sufficient evidence that it can cause cancer in humans.
In contrast, the mini pill, which contains only progestogen, is currently placed under Group 2B, indicating it is “possibly carcinogenic” to humans.
Dr. Ify shared the IARC publication titled Combined and progestagen-only hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk: A UK nested case-control study and meta-analysis.
The study notes that current or recent use of combined oral contraceptives (oestrogen+progestagen) is linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk. While progestagen-only contraceptive use is becoming more common, data on its associated risks remain limited.
The research aimed to assess the breast cancer risks tied to both combined and progestagen-only contraceptives in premenopausal women, with particular attention to progestagen-only formulations.
Clarifying her intent, Dr. Ify stated: “When I put out information here, I expect you to read those and make decisions for yourself. My tweets are for educational purposes.”
