Is There Any Truth to Cervical Cancer Being Caused by Abortion?

The claim that abortion can cause cervical cancer is often linked to anti-abortion sites. This idea, while controversial, becomes more nuanced when we delve into the broader field of psycho-oncology and hematology. Understanding the complex relationship between emotional stress and cancer can help clarify these misconceptions.

The Beginnings of the Theory

Back in the 1980s, Dr. Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian physician and psychoanalyst, proposed that cancer was related to emotional conflicts. His work suggested that unresolved emotional tension could manifest as physical ailments, including cancer. Reich's theories were highly controversial but garnered some attention due to his alleged success in curing over 90% of his patients.

Modern Perspectives on Cancer

While Reich's methods and claims have been largely discredited by the medical community, the field of psycho-oncology today acknowledges the psychological underpinnings of cancer. Modern oncologists know that emotional stress can significantly impact a patient's survival rate. Chemotherapy, often employed to treat cervical cancer, often comes with a 2 to 5 year survival rate, which can understandably instill fear among patients.

Case Studies in Psycho-Oncology

One of the more intriguing case studies in psycho-oncology involves ovarian cancer. According to the theory, profound losses, such as the death of a child or beloved person, can trigger an emotional conflict that manifests as ovarian cancer. Dr. Wilhelm Reich's work and subsequent research have identified a pattern where certain experiences can lead to specific types of cancer. For example, a patient who blames herself for not visiting her hospitalized mother might develop a profound loss conflict, leading to ovarian cancer.

Understanding Psychological Triggers

The specific psychological conflicts that can trigger cancer vary widely among individuals. For instance, a woman catching her husband in bed with her best girlfriend might suffer from sexual-frustration conflict, leading to a carcinoma in the uterus. In a right-handed woman, this would be more likely to affect the uterus rather than the breast. Conversely, if the woman were contemplating a divorce and felt that her husband had wronged her personally, the conflict would likely manifest as breast cancer in the right breast rather than ovarian cancer.

The Role of Emotional Conflicts

Events that trigger these psychological conflicts are not isolated to significant life events. A woman who discovers her husband with a much younger woman might experience a conflict that feels hollow and might manifest as hypoglycemia or a feeling of self-worthlessness, rather than cancer. The key factor is not the event itself but how the individual perceives and processes the experience in their mind during the crisis.

The Challenge of Doctor-Diagnosed Conflicts

Dr. Wilhelm Reich was known to diagnose conflicts based on a patient's body and emotional state. However, such diagnoses are highly subjective and not supported by modern medical science. Critics argue that many so-called new cancers are simply metastasizing tumors, and that the concept of cancer cells traveling through the blood to transform into different types of cancer is highly speculative.

Contemporary Research in Psycho-Oncology

Today, psycho-oncologists emphasize the importance of addressing emotional and psychological factors in cancer treatment. This includes stress management, counseling, and support groups to help patients cope with the emotional toll of their diagnosis and treatment. While the field does recognize the impact of emotional stress on cancer, it does not support the notion that certain emotional conflicts can directly cause specific cancers.

Conclusion

The complex relationship between emotional conflicts and cancer is a field of active research. While emotional stress can significantly impact a person's health, current medical science does not support the idea that abortion or specific emotional conflicts can directly cause cervical cancer. Instead, it focuses on the importance of addressing emotional and psychological factors to improve overall well-being and quality of life during cancer treatment.