A new research showed that using the birth control pill cut down the overall woman’s risk of developing cancer.

A study at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland analyzed records from a 36-year study, which discovered that any increased risk of breast and cervical cancer related to the use of pill seems to be wiped out by long-term protection from other types of cancers.

The cancer risk was up to 12% lower among those women who had used up the contraceptive pill.

The protective effect of having the pill lasts for at least 15 years after discontinuing - often into the period when women become more sensitive to developing cancers.

However, the scientists also brought out that using the pill for over 8 years is related with an increased risk of cancer. Less than a quarter of women in the study used the pill for more than 8 years.

Lead researcher Professor Philip Hannaford told, “The findings should reassure many women, especially those who used first generation oral contraceptives.”

“I would not recommend women take the pill specifically to reduce their risk of cancer, but if they decide to take it then they are not going to be putting themselves at risk by doing so,” added Mr. Philip.