Vegan Health ArticlesEli Lilly - Stop Milking Cancer
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From Anai Rhoads

Eli Lilly profits from cancer any way you look at it... There is strong evidence of a connection between rBGH and cancer, including breast cancer.

A new campaign was recently launched demanding that a well-known pharmaceutical giant end their production and sale of recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), a hormone linked to breast cancer in both men and women.

The watchdog, Breast Cancer Action (BCA), announced their "Milking Cancer" campaign this week, challenging Eli Lilly to stop manufacturing rBGH. The drug maker has sold this hormone globally under the name Posilac for years. The irony is that Eli Lilly also markets drugs that treat breast cancer and even has one that claims to reduce the risk of cancer in those who are genetically more susceptible to cancer.

"Eli Lilly profits from cancer any way you look at it," said Barbara Brenner executive director of Breast Cancer Action. "It's the perfect profit cycle. When Eli Lilly milks cancer, it's great for the company, but bad for the public's health."

Many companies have removed milk sources where rBGH was given to the cows. One of the first and most notable companies to do this was Ben & Jerry's.

In 1996, Ben & Jerry's released a following statement, shunning rBGH:

In 1993, when the FDA approved rBGH, recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone, for use in dairy cows, our Board of Directors adopted a position of opposition to rBGH, affirmed that we would not use milk and cream from cows treated with rBGH in our products, and voted to pay a premium, above market price, to the family farmers of the St.Alban's Cooperative who are our sole supplier of milk and cream and who pledge not to use rBGH.

This hormone has been banned in other countries, such Australia, Japan, Canada, and across the European Union. Even the heavy-hitters like Wal-Mart and Starbucks rejected all rBGH laden dairy in their store-bought products.

"There is strong evidence of a connection between rBGH and cancer, including breast cancer," according to Dr. Martin Donohoe, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Community Health, Portland State University. "Many leading dairies and health care facilities have eliminated its use. Why should we take a chance with the public's health?"


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We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.