The Abortion Pill Could Prevent Cancer

It may seem odd to call RU 486--the prescription-only abortion pill--pro-life, but it may be just that when it comes to cancer. Researchers at the University of California at Irvine reported last week that mifepristone, the active chemical in RU 486, can help thwart the growth of mammary tumors in mice caused by the mutant gene BRCA-1. More than half of women with this gene will develop breast or ovarian cancer by age 70.

In women with BRCA-1, the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone speeds the proliferation of mammary cells. "If we block the progesterone pathway using an antiprogesterone, it could...

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