Connection Between Teen Abortion And Breast Cancer
For a number of years now there have been various studies to determine whether there is a link between abortion and future breast cancer in women who abort. Since abortion remains a controversial issue, many discount any connection, claiming that it is simply a way to discourage abortion. Others, however, continue to point to evidence of such a link.
In December, a study was published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, which pointed further to a link between abortion and breast cancer. This study was done on Chinese women. The one-child policy enforced strongly in China has caused many Chinese women to abort a second child rather than face a prohibitive fine, loss of jobs, or other severe punishments. Since abortion is so prevalent in China, it seems like a perfect laboratory for such research. In this particular study, researchers found a 44% increase in breast cancer risk after an abortion. This risk increase grew to 76% after two abortions and 89% after three abortions.
This month, another study was published in the Issues in Law and Medicine entitled Breast Cancer and Induced Abortion. This scientific review of 72 epidemiological studies conducted by Angela Lanfranchi, MD, and Patrick Fagan, Ph.D. found support for an abortion breast cancer link, based upon current knowledge of breast physiology, as well as epidemiological and experimental research.
The authors explained that when a pregnancy begins there is a surge in hormones, especially estrogen, which encourages increased breast growth early in pregnancy. This results in an increase in Type 1 and Type 2 lobules, which is where most cancers are known to begin. If the pregnancy continues uninterrupted, these Type 1 and 2 lobules mature into Type 3 and 4, which are cancer-resistant, instead of cancer susceptible. Even if a woman only carries her pregnancy to 32 weeks instead of 40 weeks, she then has 90% of the low risk associated with a full-term pregnancy. This is consistent with other well-accepted factors that identify cancer risk for premature births before 32 weeks and second-trimester miscarriages.
Recognizing the differences of opinion on this topic, the authors recommend the establishment of a tissue bank and developing further research data from existing mammography centers, which would ultimately provide conclusive data on this important women’s health issue.
Dr. Patty June, board member of the American College of Pediatricians, warned that pregnant teens need to know the whole truth about abortion, including the personal health risks associated with aborting a new life.
In April and May 2015, the American College of Pediatricians put out two press releases warning about the risks for breast cancer as a result of induced abortion, especially among adolescents.
To understand why this danger exists, it is critical that girls and women understand the changes in breast development during pregnancy. Breast cells rapidly multiply during pregnancy, and increased estrogen levels prepare them for breastfeeding. When an abortion takes place, this hormonal environment is suddenly drastically changed. These cells are left in a state of animation and are much more susceptible to cancer-causing carcinogens.
Fellow board member Dr. Jane Anderson points out that 57 of 73 studies worldwide, as documented by the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, reveal a strong connection between abortion and increased risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Anderson goes on to say that women in this country have a right to informed consent, and an increased risk of breast cancer is definitely one of the morbidities that should be acknowledged and discussed.
Likewise, Dr. June Orient, Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, is horrified that girls and women in this country are not given informed consent regarding abortion and breast cancer risk. Calling it outrageous, she contends that all women should be told about these real consequences.
The American College of Pediatricians now recommends that all medical professionals provide this information to all adolescents and their parents and that parents reinforce this information with their daughters. Additionally, they contend that this information be included in all sex/health classes where abortion is discussed.