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cent. There is no doubt that progestin also stimulates breast tissue growth.* cent. There is no doubt that progestin also stimulates breast tissue found that women on HRT are also more likely to develop growth. melanomas. The American Walnut Creek study found that Pill and HRT users were more likely to develop melanomas. All the THE PILL AND CERVICAL CANCER women who developed melanomas under the age 40 had taken the The most common cancer in young women is cervical cancer. Pill. By 1981, the overall increased risk for Pill users was statisti- With the introduction of the Pill, not only have the rates of cervi- cally significant at three times.” cal cancer increased but so has the incidence of sexually transmit- An Australian case-control study, led by Dr Valerie Beral, ted diseases (STDs). The sexual freedom that the Pill ushered in described how more than five years of Pill use significantly was also responsible for more sexually transmitted infections or increased the melanoma risk if the Pill had been started 10 years venereal diseases. Dr Ellen Grant observed that, "...few of the before the cancer was diagnosed. Dr Beral found increases undreds of women I examined before the Pill was first pre- among women who had been given hormones to regulate their scribed had either cervical or vaginal infections and none of the periods, as well as hormones in HRT or to suppress lactation.*! smears was positive. Now, one in five of my preconception Stress, zinc deficiency and lack of protective antioxidants tients, many of whom have taken the Pill for over five years, increase the chance of developing moles, any of which can has had a positive smear—a sign of very early cervical cancer— change for the worse when hormones are taken. efore they are 40 years old."”* Based upon international medical research projects on the unde- A form of viral infection niable relationship between the nown as HPV (human papillo- Major Side-Effects of the Pill: Pill and various forms of cancer, ma virus), found in genital warts and cervical tissue, has molecu- it is quite puzzling and rather dis- tressing that a government- ar receptor sites within their + Disturbance to blood-sugar metabolism approved patient information respective structures which [(XessleWmeelalelelaemeomel-ls-ccmelmaeeevecticym@ leaflet for the Pill can state the recognise and interact with hor- - Greatly increased chance of suffering a stroke following: "At present, there is mones such as those in the Pill. (increasing with age and duration of Pill usage) no confirmed evidence from Not only are the receptors within + Increased chance of hardening of the arteries human studies which would and high blood pressure Increased risk of blood clots Increased risk of gall bladder disease (gallstones) indicate that an increased risk of cancer is associated with oral contraceptives." (Australian Government-approved drug the cervical tissue adversely influenced by hormones but so are sites within the HPV which infect the same cervical tissue. The hormones stimulate an Increased risk of liver tumours information for Triferme, pro- increase in the self-replication (as duration of Pill usage increases ) duced by Ayerst Laboratories, rate of the virus. For Pill users, = Osteoporosis 1996.) The reality is quite the this constitutes a form of double - Possible link with cancer of the endometrium, opposite and the evidence is roparcly.* pag combination of cervix, ovaries, liver and lungs indisputable. ieee § = Significantly increased risk of ectopic pregnancy nies §§ Strong probability of more rapid development COnTROL GE FENTLITY. NAL cancer than does the Pill alone or HPV alone.” of pre-existing cancers and progression to Far from emancipating women, A 1992 study in the American cancer of abnormal cells the Pill and other steroid hor- Journal of Obstetrics and PMU ROR eee RS COM MECLGE mone variations have condemne Gynecology reported that women (according to age) them to a life of potentially debil- starting on the Pill at an earlier itating health risks and an early age were at increased risk of cer- (Source: Natural Fertility, by Francesca Naish) grave. We are only just begin- vical cancer compared with those ning to realise the price we are starting later. The risk was 50 per cent greater for Pill users. paying for being part of a culture where fast food, fast cures an Many studies worldwide have shown increases in both squamous fast sex are predominant. carcinoma of the cervix and the rarer adrenocarcinoma with pro- There are safer, effective birth-control methods available—bar- longed Pill use. Women who have had a positive smear and con- rier methods such as diaphragms and low-toxin spermicides an tinue to take hormones are more likely to develop more severe condoms. There is also a highly effective method developed by cancer.* Invasive cervical cancer in young women is another rea- Francesca Naish, author of the book, Natural Fertility.” Calle son for early-age hysterectomy. "Natural Fertility Management”, it incorporates various methods In addition, the Pill causes production of a type of cervical to monitor fertile and non-fertile times naturally, rather than over- mucus which makes it easier for cancer-causing agents to gain ride or manipulate them. Women using her technique are becom- access to a woman's body.” ing highly attuned to their bodies and are not only reclaiming their Mineral and vitamin deficiencies, especially deficiencies of health but are safely avoiding or achieving conception. folic acid, have been linked with cervical cancer. Such deficien- Maintaining choice and control over one's reproductive freedom cies are prevalent among hormone-takers and smokers. is the right of each woman in our modern-day culture. However, perhaps it is time for women to rethink the entire Pill issue. THE PILL AND MELANOMAS Women are indeed recognising that they have succumbed to a The numbers of melanomas have increased sharply among highly successful advertising and propaganda campaign promot- young women in the principal Pill-taking countries of Australia, ing the joys of sexual reproductive freedom. In fact, the hidden Narth Ama Tt hac haan THE PILL AND MELANOMAS The numbers of melanomas have increased sharply among young women in the principal Pill-taking countries of Australia, North America and Europe. It has been found that the tumours, like breast cancer cells, have oestrogen receptors. It has also been JUNE - JULY 1997 NEXUS 29 Continued on page 82