Does migraine lead to a reduced risk of breast cancer?
An American study (Li et al., 2008) suggests that women with migraines have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The study examined 3,000 women, 2,000 of whom had a history of breast cancer. It showed that women with migraines had a 30% lower risk of breast cancer compared to the general population.
The authors hypothesize that migraines and breast cancer have a hormonal basis. Estrogen is known to stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
However, the interpretation of the study has several weaknesses. A medical examination was required for a migraine diagnosis. However, the majority of migraine sufferers still do not receive an adequate diagnosis or treat themselves. Furthermore, the study is limited by the number of women examined. Before drawing any conclusions, further, more rigorously controlled studies should be conducted. The women studied are not representative of all migraine patients. Moreover, there is a link between pregnancy and migraine, as well as the development of breast cancer. Pregnancy may be protective against both breast cancer and migraine. Additionally, recent studies have shown that progesterone, not estrogen, is significant in the development of breast cancer.
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