Use of hormonal contraceptives linked to increased breast cancer risks – Doctor warns

A Ghanaian doctor, Dr Dennis Bortey, has identified hormonal contraceptives, alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity as factors associated with breast cancer.

Dr Bortey explained that breast cancer risk factors include both those women can influence and those beyond their control during an interview on UTV Ghana’s Adekye Nsroma.

He mentioned being female, family history and genetic factors as risks, alongside lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol, smoking and weight gain.

Dr Bortey also highlighted hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, which some women use to manage symptoms associated with menopause.

He warned that hormonal exposure may influence breast cancer risk, although the level of risk depends on the type of hormonal treatment and other factors.

“Some women take injections and other hormonal contraceptives, while others use hormone replacement therapy to manage the effects of menopause,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of understanding these risk factors, noting that while women cannot change their biological sex, age or genetic background, they can make informed choices about certain lifestyle habits and discuss hormonal treatments with qualified health professionals.