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Jul 306 min read

Birth Control Classified as a Class 1 Carcinogen: Implications for Women Without Children

by Harley Miller

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the general fertility rate in the United States decreased by 3% from 2022, reaching a historic low.

“This marks the second consecutive year of decline, following a brief 1% increase from 2020 to 2021. From 2014 to 2020, the rate consistently decreased by 2% annually.” In June 2022, we witnessed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which left many unclear about its significance. Simply put, abortion rights are no longer protected by the Constitution, meaning individual states can now curtail or outright ban abortion rights.


In March of this year, the White House released a statement that said, “This week, the Republican Study Committee, which represents 100% of House Republican leadership and nearly 80% of their members, released a budget that—among its many other anti-choice restrictions—endorses a national abortion ban with zero exceptions for rape or incest.”


In support of the Life at Conception Act, the committee eliminated reproductive freedom for all women in every state and put IVF treatment squarely on the chopping block. There is no doubt a pattern here; a malevolent plot to increase the birth rate in the U.S.


BIRTH CONTROL CLASSIFIED AS A CLASS 1 CARCINOGEN

The last known research on the correlation between birth control and cancer was conducted in 2012 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Their study states, “Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies are classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among current and recent users.”


The study goes on to share that “In 2012, 2,128 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed among women more than 43 years of age, and 135 of these cases (6.3%) could be attributed to oral contraceptive use. A total of 661 cases of endometrial and ovarian cancer were diagnosed; oral contraceptive use potentially prevented 276 endometrial cancers and 52 ovarian cancers, thus reducing the number of incident cases for these two cancer sites by almost half (49.6%).”


So, do oral contraceptives cause cancer in women? The answer is unknown, but the risk factors are there—it can present itself as both a cause and a preventative measure. However, it’s important for women to know the findings before deciding to use any form of contraceptive. Does the aforementioned information seek to deter women from remaining childless? Perhaps.


CARCINOGENS

A carcinogen is any substance, radiation, or agent that promotes the formation of cancer by causing damage to the genetic material (DNA) in cells. Carcinogens can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of tumors. They can be chemical compounds, physical agents (such as certain types of radiation), or biological agents (like certain viruses).


GROUPS OF CARCINOGENS

Carcinogens are classified by various organizations, such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based on the strength of evidence regarding their cancer-causing potential. Here are the main groups:

Group 1: Carcinogenic to Humans

Substances or agents in this group have sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. Examples include asbestos, tobacco smoke, and ultraviolet radiation.


Group 2A: Probably Carcinogenic to Humans

Substances or agents in this group have limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. Examples include certain types of emissions from high-temperature frying and glyphosate (a herbicide).


Group 2B: Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans

Substances or agents in this group have limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence in experimental animals. Examples include lead, chloroform, and some chemicals used in industrial processes.


Group 3: Not Classifiable as to Its Carcinogenicity to Humans

Substances or agents in this group have inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and inadequate or limited evidence in experimental animals. Examples include caffeine and some synthetic chemicals.


Group 4: Probably Not Carcinogenic to Humans

Substances or agents in this group have evidence suggesting they do not cause cancer in humans. Only a few substances are classified in this group due to the stringent requirements for such classification. An example is caprolactam (a precursor to nylon).


OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS

Different organizations may use varying terminology and categories for carcinogens. For instance:

  • National Toxicology Program (NTP):

  • Known to be Human Carcinogens

  • Reasonably Anticipated to be Human Carcinogens

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

  • Carcinogenic to Humans

  • Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans

  • Suggestive Evidence of Carcinogenic Potential

  • Inadequate Information to Assess Carcinogenic Potential

  • Not Likely to be Carcinogenic to Humans


CANCER IS A FUNGUS THAT MUST STARVE

Dr. Barbara O'Neil is a Health Assistance and Well-being coach who has grown increasingly popular online over the past few years. She teaches natural remedies for common health issues. Her goal is to help her audience understand that the healthcare system in America is fueled by capitalism. Therefore, it’s not unexpected for doctors and caregivers to push medications and treatments that may worsen our health, leading us to rely on prescribed medication and overpriced medical treatments.


When asked about cancer, Dr. O'Neil describes it as a fungus that loves glucose. “So, we suggest six weeks of no sugar, no honey, no sweets at all. What you’re going to eat is a lot of vegetables.” When we take a look at the average American diet, it consists primarily of processed foods, meat, and sugary drinks.


A single Dunkin Donuts frappe can go upwards of 930 calories, and that is just one drink—the first of the day for many—followed by a sandwich that starts at around 250 calories. So in the morning, before you’ve even begun your workday, you’ve consumed almost 1,000 calories of mainly sugar and processed food. It’s no surprise that fast food is on every corner and still remains profitable despite the knowledge many Americans possess about how terrible it is for our health.


Now, let’s say you’re a woman with a poor diet and you’re taking an oral contraceptive. You are single-handedly increasing your chances of getting cancer. It can feel unkind when the man you’re seeing drops small hints about going to the gym and being in shape, along with eating better—this is one time I can, in fact, agree with a man.

Related articles: Why Do Condoms Break?


Most relationships consist of a woman getting on some form of birth control, eating poorly along with her partner because women love going on dates and consuming processed foods on these dates. Lastly, there is "boyfriend air"; if you were once a gym rat and had a schedule, you’re now most likely to forfeit that routine for a more relaxed and laid-back time at home. All of these things can increase your risk of getting cancer.


ADVICE

As a thirty-two-year-old wellness coach for the past eight years, my advice is to adopt a balanced diet as this is crucial for cancer prevention and overall health. Focus on increasing plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Limit the consumption of red and processed meats, which are linked to a higher risk of certain cancers.

Related articles: What Is a Mother?


Choose healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, while avoiding trans fats and reducing saturated fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help your body function properly and flush out toxins. Additionally, reduce your intake of sugary foods, beverages, and refined carbohydrates to prevent weight gain and lower cancer risk.


*NOTE: Put off child bearing for as along as you can through the practice of abstinence until marriage.


Enjoy one of my favorite vegan recipes below:

Vegan Recipe: Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

  • 1 ¾ cups water

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions:

  1. Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.

  2. Prepare Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.

  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

  4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture and drizzle with the dressing. Toss well to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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