Cancerbackup: Q-879

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Alison

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I have heard that there is a link between having an abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer. Is this true?

Many studies have looked at abortion (termination of pregnancy) as a possible risk factor of breast cancer.  It was thought that the hormonal changes that occur during a pregnancy and then the fluctuation in hormone levels when a pregnancy is terminated may have an effect on breast cells. Results of many studies show that women are not at an increased risk of breast cancer if they have had a pregnancy terminated.

Content last reviewed: 01 June 2006
Page last modified: 06 June 2006

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