Writer off base on abortion, cancer link
This letter is in response to Karen Malec's letter from Monday, July 6.
She claims Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer awareness group, is perpetuating the disease by withholding the truth that abortion increases breast cancer risk.
Malec claims the valid science supports this causal link between abortion and breast cancer, and alleges the Komen group knowingly uses seriously flawed studies.
She also wants the Komen group to stop donating to Planned Parenthood because they provide abortions and estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives, which she claims are carcinogens.
In truth, the scientific research doesn't support Malec and her group's abortion-breast cancer causal link, which is why the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society and World Health Organization all hold the position there is no causal link between induced abortion and breast cancer.
It's highly unlikely all three of these highly reputable and independent health groups are using the wrong science. And, Malec should have no issue with the validity of the WHO's science, because Malec herself cites the WHO in her oral contraceptive-carcinogen claim.
And while Malec is correct that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (as well as the National Cancer Institute) attributes estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives as carcinogens, they do not recommend reducing the prescriptions and use of these hormonal oral contraceptives. Instead, they just recommend increased mammograms, pap smears and other cancer screenings for women using these oral contraceptives.
Thus, Ms. Malec's criticisms lack the scientific foundations and organizational support she claims.
Philip Procento
Vernon Hills