Why Has Abortion Been Linked To Breast Cancer Risk?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States (after lung cancer), excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. Since 1973, when abortion became legal in the United States, the incidence of breast cancer in the U.S. has risen dramatically. While there has not been any conclusive evidence that a history of abortion increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer, abortions have been suggested by some to increase breast cancer risk because of the involvement of the female hormone estrogen. Near the beginning of pregnancy, estrogen levels increase so that the breasts may prepare to produce milk. After the woman gives birth, estrogen levels decrease again. In fact, full-term pregnancy (especially at a young age) has been associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in medical studies. However, there has been some concern that if the pregnancy is aborted, a woman’s estrogen levels would continue to remain elevated for a
