Top scientists say the Pill has helped prevent 200,000 cases of womb cancer over the past decade.
For every five years that a woman takes the oral contraceptive, the risk of developing endometrial cancer decreases by 25%, according to research by Oxford University researchers.
In women who have taken the Pill for 10 years, rates of womb cancer diagnosis in under-75s also falls from 2.3% to just 1.3.
The research highlights the protective effects of the Pill, including oestrogen, lasts for many years after someone stops taking the contraceptive.
University professors estimate that in the 50 years since oral contraceptives were introduced, almost half a million cases of womb cancer have been avoided.
Professor Valerie Beral said: “People used to worry that the Pill might cause cancer, but in the long-term, the Pill reduces the risk.”
The study was published in The Lancet Oncology Journal, and funded by the Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK.
Women are still being advised to think before taking the Pill – especially if they have a family history of breast cancer – as some research suggests it can slightly increase the risk.
