Day 035 - 12 Oct 94 - Page 46
1 associations with reproductive factors provide support for
2 a hormonal role in the aetiology of the disease". We need
3 not argue about that.
4 A. Excuse me, I have lost you.
5
6 MR. JUSTICE BELL: It is the next paragraph, the next
7 sentences.
8
9 MR. RAMPTON: Yes, that is right. "The relationship between
10 sex hormone levels in blood or urine and risk of breast
11 cancer" ------
12
13 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Have you lost your place?
14 A. I think I have been left behind a little bit. If I
15 could just take a minute and catch up with you?
16
17 MR. JUSTICE BELL: What I suggest is read the whole paragraph
18 which starts "Many studies show" and then Mr. Rampton will
19 take you from "The relationship between".
20 A. Thank you, your Honour. Yes, I think I have got it.
21
22 MR. JUSTICE BELL: If you feel you are getting tired at any
23 stage and want to stretch your legs, no inference will be
24 taken against you and you must say so.
25 A. Thank you.
26
27 MR. RAMPTON: I do say, Dr. Barnard, I know this is strenuous,
28 we all know that giving evidence is strenuous; we are
29 looking at a good deal of scientific detail and we shall
30 go on doing so. It is no use to me to have to
31 cross-examine somebody whose concentration is flagging
32 because they are tired, so you will say, will you not?
33
34 MR. JUSTICE BELL: We are not suggesting you are, but should it
35 happen, you say so.
36
37 THE WITNESS: Thank you, your Honour. I appreciate your
38 consideration.
39
40 MR. RAMPTON: Can I read on: "The relationship between sex
41 hormone levels in blood or urine and risk of breast cancer
42 have been examined in many studies but clear and
43 consistent findings have not emerged. All these studies
44 have been small, however, and most have been conducted
45 among patients who already have cancer, who may have had
46 altered hormone levels because of the disease".
47
48 May I pause there -- I am going to read the next sentence;
49 I am not going to omit it -- it remains the position,
50 does it not, Dr. Barnard, that most of these studies about
51 the effects of oestrogen in tumour promotion have been,
52 perhaps naturally, conducted amongst women who already
53 have the disease?
54 A. You cannot study tumour promotion in the absence of
55 disease.
56
57 Q. That is right. It would not be ethical, apart from
58 anything else.
59 A. Well, it simply is not -- it is not possible.
60
