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26/09/2005
‘Cancer risk’ greater for left-handed women
Women are left-handed may have a greater chance of developing breast cancer, Dutch scientists have suggested.
In the study, published by the British Medical Journal, researchers from the University Medical Centre in Utrecht examined 12,000 middle-aged women, born between 1932 and 1941. They found that left-handed women were twice as likely to develop pre-menopausal breast cancer as non-left handed women.
The researchers believe that the results may be due to exposure to higher levels of sex hormones in the womb. This exposure can lead to both left-handedness, as well as changes in breast tissue, which could increase the risk of tumour growth later in life.
However, Emma Taggart, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Breakthrough Breast Cancer said that left-handed women should not worry about the findings. She said: “Although this is an intriguing study, it doesn’t give us enough evidence to link left handedness with breast cancer.
“We advise all women to follow a healthy lifestyle, by eating a balanced diet, drinking less alcohol and exercising regularly, to help reduce their breast cancer risk.
“It’s also vital for women to be breast aware and visit their GP if they are concerned about changes in their breasts.”
(KMcA/SP)
In the study, published by the British Medical Journal, researchers from the University Medical Centre in Utrecht examined 12,000 middle-aged women, born between 1932 and 1941. They found that left-handed women were twice as likely to develop pre-menopausal breast cancer as non-left handed women.
The researchers believe that the results may be due to exposure to higher levels of sex hormones in the womb. This exposure can lead to both left-handedness, as well as changes in breast tissue, which could increase the risk of tumour growth later in life.
However, Emma Taggart, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Breakthrough Breast Cancer said that left-handed women should not worry about the findings. She said: “Although this is an intriguing study, it doesn’t give us enough evidence to link left handedness with breast cancer.
“We advise all women to follow a healthy lifestyle, by eating a balanced diet, drinking less alcohol and exercising regularly, to help reduce their breast cancer risk.
“It’s also vital for women to be breast aware and visit their GP if they are concerned about changes in their breasts.”
(KMcA/SP)
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