2http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/expert-tells-of-frightening-links-as-players-mum-slams-essendon/story-fni5f6kv-1226702430962?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HeraldSunTopStories+%28Herald+Sun+%7C+Top+Stories%29
BANNED drug allegedly administered to Essendon players has been linked to various types of cancer, an expert sports physician has warned.
Dr Stephen Brown told the Herald Sun that several internationally respected studies had found links between Thymosin Beta-4 and cancer.
He says there are concerns the drug, which stimulates cell growth and can activate "dormant" cells, may cause a range of cancers, including melanoma, and pancreatic, colon and breast cancer.
The drug may have been given to Essendon players as part of the club's 2012 supplement program, according to the AFL's case against the club, which is now the subject of a Supreme Court lawsuit by James Hird.