I never thought I'd hear this one -- that women whose tonsils were removed during childhood may be at increased risk of developing pre-menopausal breast cancer. But sure enough, that's what researchers at the University of Buffalo are reporting.Think about this:
Researchers say the association between tonsillectomies and breast cancer may be related to the loss of protective function when tonsils are removed. Also, tonsils can be markers for infection in childhood. Some infections cause inflammation which can contribute to cancer. When the tonsils are gone, markers are gone.
Other studies have linked tonsillectomies with an increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, and breast and prostate cancers. This study, reported at the 100th annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research, confirms the breast cancer connection -- but further study is still necessary.
Clifford Hudis, MD, Solid Tumor Division at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and YSC Medical Advisory Board Member presents medical advances and promising research in the areas of young women and metastatic breast cancer. Upon his return from the 2006 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dr. Hudis will discuss any breakthroughs in specific and various metastases and the overall treatment of advanced breast disease. 
