Workshop participants reviewed existing population-based, clinical , and animal studies on the relationship between pregnancy and breast cancer risk, including studies of induced and spontaneous abortions. Updated information on studies of cancer risk and abortion and other reproductive history factors is available in the Reproductive History and Cancer Risk fact sheet. The relationship between induced and spontaneous abortion and breast cancer risk has been the subject of extensive research beginning in the late s. Until the mids, the evidence was inconsistent. Findings from some studies suggested there was no increase in risk of breast cancer among women who had had an abortion, while findings from other studies suggested there was an increased risk. Most of these studies, however, were flawed in a number of ways that can lead to unreliable results.

The Who, What, Where, When and Sometimes, Why.



Early Reproductive Events Workshop - National Cancer Institute
Consequently, pediatricians should be familiar with the short-term and long-term risks of induced abortion and also be able to compassionately discuss these risks with adolescents and involved family members. Some of the potential short- and long-term risks include increased mortality from suicide and other violence, as well as natural causes; increased risk of breast cancer; greater rates of substance abuse; and higher risk of morbidity and mortality for subsequent children due to premature births, especially very premature births. Patient education on the risks of induced abortion should be considered during anticipatory guidance discussions at well-child visits during the immediate pre- and adolescent years. The prefrontal cortex of the brain, the area used in complex decision-making, is not fully mature until about age


New Study Confirms Abortion Breast Cancer Link
Abortion is an issue that can bring out strong feelings in people. These feelings are often linked to personal, religious, and political views that may have little to do with any connection to a disease like cancer. Linking these topics creates a great deal of emotion and debate. But scientific research studies have not found a cause-and-effect relationship between abortion and breast cancer.



The abortion—breast cancer hypothesis posits that having an induced abortion can increase the risk of getting breast cancer. This hypothesis is at odds with mainstream scientific opinion and is rejected by major medical professional organizations. In early pregnancy , hormone levels increase, leading to breast growth. The hypothesis proposes that if this process is altered by an abortion, then more immature cells could be left behind, and that these immature cells could increase the risk of breast cancer over time.