Abortion increases breast cancer risk?

A TIMELY and interesting article headlined The Breast Cancer Epidemic was published recently in The Actuary, a professional magazine for actuaries in Britain.

It was written in the context of life insurance forecasting and discusses, among other factors, the impact of abortion on breast cancer figures in England and Wales and its effect on the life and health insurance and healthcare sectors until 2029.

The article was based on forecasts of breast cancer rates originally published last month in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

It states that the “cumulated rates of induced abortion and fertility are the best predictors of breast cancer trends”.

The report applied national data to a mathematical model to forecast breast cancer incidence and expects an overall increase of 50.9% in the cancer rate in England and Wales by 2029.

It also said the increasing rates of abortion and breast cancer run parallel and are highly correlated and that the risk of developing breast cancer is further increased for those who have had an abortion during their first pregnancy.

While there is little doubt that this report will prompt further investigation into the breast cancer/abortion link over the coming years, Irish women who feel they have an increased risk of breast cancer should now act accordingly and seek appropriate medical advice.

Eilís Nig Raollaigh

Maree Road

Oranmore

Co Galway