Breast Cancer-Birth Control Troubles Drive Couples to Try Natural Alternative

June 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Couples in Illinois considering using Natural Family Planning (NFP) now have another reason to go natural — a new study draws a now-stronger connection between the birth control pill and breast cancer.

Women who have taken the birth control pill for a year or more, compared to those who took the pill for less than a year, or not at all, increase their risk of breast cancer by 50%, according to the Feb. 15, 2009 issue of the American Journal of Epidimiology.

Prior findings were based "largely on...studies conducted before 1990," according to Dr. Lynn Rosenberg, from Boston University, and colleagues, who authored the study. Since then, hormone dosages have decreased, spurring claims that modern-day oral contraceptives cannot be linked to breast cancer. But the danger persists, as Reuters Health reports.

The findings have drawn warnings from other professionals as well. “While it is common to think that hormones are harmless, and can be used for contraception, these new studies show just how dangerous hormones can be,” said Dr. Scott Olsen, naturopathic doctor and author, as reported on the information website Examiner.com.

“Natural Family Planning has long been attractive to couples wanting to avoid the medical health risks of hormonal methods,” said Monica Cassidy, of the Chicago Couple to Couple League NFP chapter. “We invite those who want to know more about NFP to contact us.”

Classes in the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning can be taken at 15 locations in the Chicago, IL Archdiocese, as well as in southeast Milwaukee and northwest Indiana. The next class will begin Sun., Aug. 9 at Holy Trinity Church in Westmont. Email Chris & Debbie Lillig, or call them at 630-428-3046. Or visit http://www.nfpchicago.com.

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The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international, interfaith, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Natural Family Planning (NFP) to married and engaged couples. This news article is sponsored by the Chicago chapter of CCL International.