LONDON, U.K. - Dr Kara Britt of Monash University, Melbourne, and Professor Roger Short of Melbourne University, argue that nuns are at increased risk of cancer through their celibate lifestyle, and deserve protection. They claim the Roman Catholic Church's own teaching does not prevent the Pill being used for health reasons.The risk of developing ovarian and womb cancers falls by 50 to 60 per cent in users, with the benefits lasting more than 20 years — and long after women stop taking it.
The Pill is believed to offer protection because women taking it are not producing eggs. The process of egg release triggers cell damage and repair that raises the risk of tumour development.
The Pill is believed to offer protection because women taking it are not producing eggs. The process of egg release triggers cell damage and repair that raises the risk of tumour development.
They conclude: "The Catholic Church condemns all forms of contraception, as outlined by Pope Paul VI in Humanae Vitae in 1968. Although Humanae Vitae never mentions nuns, they should be free to use the contraceptive Pill to protect against the hazards of nulliparity (not having children) since the document states that the Church in no way regards as unlawful therapeutic means considered necessary to cure organic diseases, even though they also have a contraceptive effect.- "If the Catholic Church could make the Pill freely available to all its nuns, it would reduce the risk of those accursed pests, cancer of the ovary and uterus, and give nuns' plight the recognition it deserves."
Research has shown that women using the Pill are at lower risk of getting any kind of cancer. They gain most protection at a time in life when they are at greatest risk — their 50s and 60s — because of the long-term preventive effect of oral contraception.
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