Mainstream media are mostly ignoring the latest investigation into the increasing incidence of breast cancer.  The insurance industry, on the other hand, is not.  The November issue of The Actuary, a British magazine published for the actuarial profession, includes a summary article by statistician and actuary Patrick Carroll, who concludes that abortion is the best predictor of breast cancer.

The incidence of breast cancer has increased since the 1970s by an average of about 80% across all ages in Great Britain.

Mr Carroll lists seven factors that appear to be driving the upward trend in breast cancer:

  • Abortion: Most British abortions (53%) are nulliparous and the subsequent breast cancer risk is greater here.
  • Age at first birth: A low age is protective, as made known by British epidemiologists.
  • Childlessness increases the risk: Nuns have long been known to have a higher risk of breast cancer.
  • Fertility: More children increase protection.
  • Breast-feeding: This gives additional protection, now estimated by British epidemiologists.
  • Hormonal contraceptives: These contain oestrogen and progestin, and are conducive to breast cancer.
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This contains female hormones and is likewise conducive to breast cancer.

Another suggestive observation is that, unlike other cancers, the incidence of breast cancer is highest among upper-class women.

h/t: LifeSite

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UPDATE (17 Nov.): After reading criticism of this study and giving it more thought, I have to backtrack.  I have removed the chart and some text.  I think the study raises important questions and points to avenues for further research, but problems with data quality and methodology render it inconclusive on its own.