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developing breast cancer, according to a study published in
the August 1, 2001 issue of the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute. The study identified characteristics of
pregnancy that may be linked to reduced risk of breast
cancer.
Researchers obtained data collected from 3,804 women who
had been enrolled in a study on pregnancy and child health in
40-year follow-up, which of these women later developed
breast cancer. Although the risk reduction percentages
varied, researchers found fewer cases of breast cancer
associated with increased blood pressure during pregnancy,
low placental weight, small placental diameter and the
presence of abnormal protein deposits on the exterior of the
placenta.
While these characteristics probably do not reduce risk
themselves, underlying biological factors may be responsible,
according to Barbara A. Cohn, MPH, PhD, lead author of the
study and director of the Center for Research on Women's
and Children's Health in Berkeley, California. These factors
might include altered placental hormone production, which
could affect a woman's exposures during pregnancy, or
increased immune system activity, which could act against
an existing cancer. "There are very likely biological processes
related to the protective pregnancy factors we discovered
that may explain reduced risk of breast cancer," Dr. Cohn
explained. "It is everyone's hope that these factors might
eventually be used in prevention or treatment in nonpregnant
women."
--Jacqueline Houtman
www.mamm.com/late_breaking_news/#29
Posted September 2001