Abortion does not increase the risk of breast cancer, according to the results of a research recently published in Archives of Internal Medicine.  A link between the interruption of pregnancy and the probabilities of a breast tumor had been a very discussed issue by specialists in the field.

Researches at Harvard University (USA) lead by a the specialist on epidemiology, obstetrics and gynecology Karin Michels, researched more than 100,000 women between the ages of 29 and 46 that were part of a nurses’ health study, and followed them during ten years, from 1993 to 2003. During this time, the participants responded a questionnaire every two years in which they gave information on abortions, risk factors for breast cancer and this pathology’s diagnosis.  According to the authors’ conclusions, no link exists between having had an abortion and the incidence of breast cancer.

It is a proven fact that pregnancy has a protecting effect if it occurs before the age of 35 since it decreases the chances of developing breast cancer.  During the first months of pregnancy, the woman’s body produces great amounts of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin which, among other functions, acts by stimulating the mammary tissue and accelerating the differentiation of its cells which in turn will be less prone to become malignant, that is to say, produce cancer. What prior researches had suggested was that the interruption of this natural process inhibited the protecting effect and that those women who had suffered an abortion were more prone to breast cancer.

Source: LatinSalud.com with data from El Mundo, 24/04/2007

If during pregnancy you feel the same pains as during menstruation, you should consult your doctor.