Women Cause Prostate Cancer

Is it possible that women cause prostate cancer? Researchers in Toronto are looking at a possible correlation between the birth control pill and rising rates of prostate cancer. What a surprise!

The story goes something like this: women consume the pill and pee out excess estrogen into the water, which then goes into our environment and water supply. Even though it may only be in low concentrations, research suggests that estrogen and estrogen-like chemicals can have an adverse effect on our health.

But there’s no reason to panic just yet. “This study does not establish cause and effect … This is a very, very preliminary finding and we’re not telling everybody to quit the pill. But further research needs to be done and it’s an interesting finding,” said Dr. David Margel, urologist and lead author of the inconclusive study.

So even though there’s some sort of loose connection (countries with the highest rates of hormonal contraceptive use also have the highest rates of prostate cancer), there’s no evidence of direct causation. Maybe it’s because there are so many other estrogen-spreading culprits potentially wreaking havoc on our bodies.

Estrogenic compounds like some cosmetics, pesticides and materials found in plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants and toys also release chemicals into our environment and possibly contribute to the great number of people diagnosed with various types of cancer each year, according to Fe de Leon, researcher at the Canadian Environmental Law Association.

Clearly, this research is full of hypotheses, not facts. And when there are no real answers, the birth control pill bravely takes the fall and is often a willing scapegoat. Surely it’s a good idea to study the long-term health effects of the pill, but is it justified to publish information that only leads to an increasing paranoia? We’re looking at a whole host of reasons why incidents of prostate cancer are increasing — the pill perhaps being a contributor.

At the very least, it’s good to be informed. Just remember, there’s no evidence of causation here so we can temporarily breathe a sigh of relief…until the next study at least.

Contact the author here: tinybart@morningquickie.com