Most women feel confident taking the modern combined oestrogen-progestogen oral contraceptive pill (COCPs) but myths about these drugs still persist. Most non-contraceptive health benefits of COCPs are not widely appreciated, in spite of much evidence. Controversy still exists over the association between COCP use and breast cancer. Although slightly more breast cancers are detected in current COCP users they are less advanced in stage and less aggressive in behaviour. This article discusses the non-contraceptive benefits and uses of hormonal contraception.