WHEREAS since 1957, 25 of 31 studies from many countries of the world have shown a positive association between abortion and breast cancer[1]; and

  • Women who have had an abortion increase their breast concern risk by an average of 30%[2]; and
  • There is evidence that undergoing repeat terminations of pregnancy increases this risk even further[3]; and
  • Teenagers who abort their first pregnancy are particularly at risk, as are women who have an abortion after 30 years of age[4], [5]; and
  • The risk of breast cancer in women who have a family history of breast cancer is increased even further following an abortion[6], [7]; and
  • Data from a study on Australian women regarding an abortion-breast cancer link was published in 1995 and reported a significant 160% increased risk in women who had undergone one or more abortions[8]; and
  • Animal data showing a strong correlation between surgical abortion and the development of breast cancer have remained unchallenged since 1908[9]; and
  • Natural miscarriage has not been shown to be a risk factor for breast cancer and this is thought to be because of the lower oestrogen levels when a pregnancy is destined to miscarry[10], [11];
  • BE IT RESOLVED that it is vital that all women be informed that induced abortion is (among other risks), a preventable risk factor in the development of breast cancer.

[1] Brind, J. et al, Epidemiol Community Hlth 1996;50:481-96

[2] Brind J. et al, ibid

[3] Howe HL et al, Int J. Epidemiol 1989:18:300-4

[4] Daling JR et al, J Natl Cancer Inst 1994;86:1584-92

[5] Daling JR et al, ibid

[6] Andrieu N at el, Cancer Detect Prev 1994;18:51-5

[7] Howe HL et al, op cit

[8] Andrieu N et al, Br J Cancer 1995;72:744-751

[9] Russoj, Russo IH Am J Path 1980;100:497-512

[10] Witt et all, Fertil Steril 1990;53:1029-36

[11] Kunz J. Keller PJ Br J Ob Gyn 1976;63:640-4