LONDON: If you think that taking contraceptive pills could increase your chance of developing ovarian cancer, you are wrong. A new study has revealed that the tablets may actually reduce the risk of the disease.

Researchers at the Oxford University have carried out a study and found that the contraceptive pills not only reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women but protect them from the disease even 30 years after they stop taking the drugs.

"Even though the dose of hormones in the 1960s and 1970s pill was roughly double the amount in today's versions, this did not seem to make a difference to the level of protection offered.

"The protection against cancer can continue decades after a woman has stopped taking the pill," lead researcher Sir Richard Peto was quoted by BBC News portal as saying.

However, the relationship between the contraceptive pill and cancer is not all good news - there have been fears about short-term increases in the risk of breast and cervical cancers in women.

"(But) Young women did not have to worry about this risk. The eventual reduction in ovarian cancer is bigger than any increase in other types of cancer caused by the pill," according to Sir Richard.

The researchers came to the conclusion after analysing data of 45 previous studies.

The Cancer Research UK has welcomed the research. "All women who have taken the pill or are currently taking it should be reassured by this study," Dr Lesley Walker of the charity was quoted as saying.