Understand hormones

The birth control pill and hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk of cancer. Understand the risks and benefits.

Your body makes hormones that tell your cells what to do. These hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood and control how your tissues and organs work.

Learn more about what affects your hormone levels, the benefits and risks of some medications and how to protect yourself.

Person holding a pack of birth control pills

All about hormones

Hormones in your body control specific body functions. If the levels of certain hormones are too high, this may increase the risk of cancer.

A pack of pills

All about the birth control pill

Taking the birth control pill may increase risk for some cancers and decrease risk for others. Understand the benefits and risks.

Hormone replacement therapy pill

All about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Taking HRT for menopause may increase risk for some cancers and decrease risk for others. Understand the benefits and risks.