Mesothelioma

He began to wonder if there was any connection between Brenda's sexual abuse and cancer diagnosis, along with various other health problems she had dealt with over the years.

Through his research, Kroeger said he discovered 26 physical, psychological and social problems linked to sexual abuse.

This includes 12 actual physical diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

(The others, along with references, are listed on the foundation's website at www.stopsexualabusenow.org.) One resource Kroeger found particularly helpful was The Link between Religious and Health, edited by Harvey J.

Cohen and Harold Koenig, medical researchers at Duke University.

The book refreshed his knowledge, Kroeger explained, on the link between stress and illness.

"I realize there have only been a few studies showing an increased risk of cancer for survivors of sexual abuse, but I think many other problems associated with this trauma establish sexual abuse as one of America's most pressing health issues," he said.

"Between 25 to 30 percent of women are survivors and 10 to 15 percent of men, which is probably under-reported.

Perhaps once the stigma and taboo is lifted, survivors will become more willing to share such information." He established the Foundation for the Healing for Survivors of Sexual Abuse last su...

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