A new report published in the International Journal of Cancer refutes the long-standing argument from anti-choice advocates that abortion contributes to -- or even causes -- breast cancer. According to the study findings, neither induced nor spontaneous abortions (also known as miscarriages) contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer.

While researchers assert that full-term pregnancies resulting in birth do in fact contribute an element of protection against breast cancer -- no evidence of connection between breast cancer and induced abortion was found in the six-and-a-half year study of 267,361 European women. "Overall, the findings provide further unbiased evidence of the lack of an adverse effect of induced abortion on breast cancer risk," state researchers.

Just days before the 5th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy, Mt. Sinai Medical Center released a health report on the variety of illnesses suffered by rescue workers and city residents who were present at the scene. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against NYC by 8,000 of these workers who blame the toxic atmosphere and lack of health warnings from city officials for the onset of cancers, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases developed after exposure to the site.

The toxic metals and particles floating in the air above the pile of rubble that day are the same toxic elements found in cigarette smoke -- and these particles became deeply embedded in rescue workers and volunteers lungs. A special warning has been issued to those present at the site to now quit smoking, to avoid making their symptoms worse.

NY senator-D Hillary Clinton, along with other state representatives, are urging more federal funding for health care for these individuals. The new study has also helped establish new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of 9/11 related illnesses. As many of the volunteers and crisis workers now live in other areas of the country, the guidelines provide much needed understanding of their ailments to unaware doctors.

Cervical cancer awareness is on the rise, though almost no information on its effect on male partners is available. For the first time attention is being given to the impact of this disease on women's relationships and the men they love.

A five-year study on the psychological and emotional effects of the disease is being planned at the University of Surrey in the UK. The researchers will observe whether the disease bonds couples stronger or breaks them apart, as well as the effect it has on their sex lives. Described as a lonely disease by lead researcher and cervical cancer patient Alison Nightingale, its effects can be very stressful and confusing for both partners. "One small-scale study found that partners suffered the same levels of cancer-related distress as the women going through treatment," she says.

Any newly-diagnosed cervical cancer patients and their partners are encouraged to participate in the study by contacting the university.