A study published in the British Medical Journal has found that use of the contraceptive pill can decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Researchers at Aberdeen University studied the effect of the pill on over 46,000 women for a period of up to 39 years, finding a 12% lower risk of disease in the longer term. Professor Philip Hannaford, who led the study, commented that the results were “really reassuring” for women. Although previous studies have shown an increased risk of mortality for certain groups taking the pill in the short term, this new data suggests a longer term benefit, or at least no increased risk.

However, Professor Hannaford also clarified that the results were through assessment of first generation contraceptive pills, but expected the results could be extrapolated to newer variants.

Ref: British Medical Journal
http://www.bmj.com/c...ull/340/mar11_1/c927

Ref: BBC
http://news.bbc.co.u...rth_east/8563606.stm

Ref: Reuters
http://www.reuters.c...dUSTRE62B01R20100312

But can the results apply to newer versions?