7 Healthcast: Birth Control Pill Risks

Because the pill is so widely used, it is closely studied. Researchers found women on the pill are twice as likely to get cervical cancer. But before you get nervous, the pill itself probably isn't to blame.

Millions of American women take birth control pills. The benefits are clear, but British researchers confirm a downside, a link to cervical cancer.

Dr. Anne Szarewski, Cancer researcher
"I think it's important to have this information in the public domain."

Doctors don't believe the pill itself is directly responsible. Rather, it's because the pill is not a barrier method of contraception. That puts users at greater risk for the very common, sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus, which can lead to cervical cancer. So what should you do if you're on the pill? Probably nothing.

There are much stronger, direct risk factors for cervical cancer including: multiple sexual partner, smoking and a suppressed immune system. The most important thing to remember is that cervical cancer can be easily detected.

Dr. Anne Szarewski
Whether you've got the pill, whether you smoke, whatever you do, as long as you have regular smears, that's the bottom line.

A pap can often catch the disease in a pre-cancerous stage. Health experts also say the pill provides protection against the more serious cancers of the ovaries and womb lining.

Philip Hannaford, Professor, Aberdeen University
"There are important benefits of the pill, not just these apparent side effects."

Despite the increased risk, the overall rates of cervical cancer are relatively low and probably shouldn't affect your choice of contraception. But this is a risk you should discuss with your doctor especially if you have other health issues.