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One of the most persistent fears among cancer patients and their families is the belief that a biopsy—a procedure where a small tissue sample is taken for diagnosis—can cause cancer to spread. This myth has been around for decades, but what does the scientific evidence actually say?

Understanding the Myth

The concern that "cutting" or "disturbing" a tumor during a biopsy might release cancer cells into the body, causing the disease to spread or worsen, is widespread. However, this belief is not supported by modern medical research or clinical experience

What Does the Evidence Show?

Extremely Rare Occurrence: Scientific studies have shown that the risk of cancer spreading due to a biopsy is extremely rare. When it does happen, it is called "tumor seeding," but this is seen in less than 1% of cases, depending on the cancer type and biopsy method

Large-Scale Studies: For example, Mayo Clinic researchers studied over 2,000 cancer patients and found that those who had biopsies actually had better outcomes and longer survival than those who did not. This strongly suggests that biopsies do not cause cancer to spread.

Breast Cancer Research: Reviews focusing on breast cancer found no increased risk of cancer returning, spreading, or affecting survival after a needle biopsy.

Standard Procedures: Doctors use special techniques and follow strict protocols during biopsies and surgeries to further minimize any risk of spreading cancer cells.

Why Is This Myth So Common?

Before the development of advanced imaging like CT scans and MRIs, doctors sometimes only discovered how far a cancer had spread during surgery. If the cancer progressed quickly after surgery, people often blamed the procedure, not realizing the disease was already advanced. This misunderstanding has lingered, even though modern evidence proves otherwise.

Why Biopsies Are Important

Accurate Diagnosis: A biopsy is the only way to confirm if a suspicious lump or lesion is cancerous. This is essential for planning the right treatment.

Early Treatment: Getting a biopsy and diagnosis early means treatment can start sooner, which improves chances of recovery and survival.

Conclusion: The Benefits Far Outweigh the Risks

While the idea that biopsies spread cancer is a common fear, it is not supported by scientific evidence. The risk is extremely low, and the benefits—accurate diagnosis and timely treatment—are life-saving. If your doctor recommends a biopsy, it is because it is the safest and most effective way to find out what is going on and to help you get the best possible care. At Anvita oncology clinic biopsy is done very safely.

If you have concerns about a biopsy, talk openly with your doctor. Understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), commonly known as birth control pills, are widely used by women in India for family planning. While these pills are effective and convenient, many women worry about their long-term safety—especially about whether they increase the risk of cancer. Let’s clear up the facts, based on scientific evidence, so you can make informed choices for your health.

Do Oral Contraceptives Increase Cancer Risk?

Breast Cancer

Slight Increase in Risk: Studies show that women who are currently using oral contraceptives, or have recently stopped, have a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer—about 20% higher than women who have never used them.

Risk Decreases Over Time: This increased risk gradually disappears within 5–10 years after stopping the pills

Absolute Risk is Small: For most women, this means only a few extra cases of breast cancer per 100,000 women using the pill each year.

No Clear Link in Indian Studies: Some Indian studies have not found a strong association between OCP use and breast cancer risk.

Cervical Cancer

Increased Risk with Long-Term Use: Using oral contraceptives for more than 5 years is associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer, especially if a woman also has a persistent HPV infection.

Risk Reduces After Stopping: The risk of cervical cancer decreases over time after stopping the pills.

Ovarian and Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Protective Effect: OCPs actually reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers by 30–50%. This protection increases the longer you use the pills and can last for decades after stopping them.

Colorectal Cancer: There is also a modest reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer among women who have used oral contraceptives5.

Putting the Risks and Benefits in Perspective

“The temporary increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer and the long-term protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers need to be considered alongside the highly effective contraception that these medications provide.”
— Margaret Urban, National Health Laboratory Service

Most women will not develop cancer because of OCP use.

The benefits of birth control pills—effective family planning, lighter periods, reduced risk of some cancers—often outweigh the small risks for most women.

Regular screening (like Pap smears for cervical cancer and breast exams) is important for all women, whether or not they use OCPs.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious?

Women with a personal or strong family history of breast cancer should discuss alternative options with their doctor.

Women with risk factors for cervical cancer (such as persistent HPV infection) should be extra vigilant with regular screening.

Key Takeaways for Indian Women

OCPs may slightly increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer, but this risk is small and goes away after you stop using them.

OCPs protect against ovarian and endometrial cancers, and may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Talk to your doctor about your personal and family health history before starting or continuing OCPs.

Don’t skip regular cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives.

Remember:
Oral contraceptive pills are safe for most women. Understanding the real risks and benefits helps you make the best decision for your health and your family. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication. Dr M G Giriyappagoudar a senior oncologist from Anvita Onco Clinic, Hubli of north Karnataka believes that the benefits of using OCPs is outweighs the risk of cancer in women.

Has anyone ever told you that you have your mother’s eyes? Or that you look just like your grandmother? We all get our looks and physical traits from our families, but we may not always think about risks we share for diseases like cancer, including breast cancer.

The good news is that knowing your family cancer history can give you a head start toward preventing breast cancer. No matter your gender, it’s important to know your risk and learn how to protect yourself.