According to the latest reports, it seems that breast cancer is linked to air pollution. Check out the latest about the matter below.
Breast cancer and pollution
A recent study conducted by a team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found a link between air pollution and an increased risk of breast cancer.
The study, which involved researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), discovered that residents living in areas with high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) had an 8 percent higher incidence of breast cancer compared to those residing in areas with lower levels of pollution.
The concentration of PM2.5 was found to be related to certain types of tumors, particularly among postmenopausal women. The study revealed that women residing in areas with high PM2.5 levels experienced a 10% higher incidence of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors, which are the most prevalent form of breast cancer.
However, there was no observed connection between concentrated PM2.5 regions and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) tumors, according to the findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
These outcomes provide further evidence of a connection between breast cancer and endocrine disruption, as compounds such as metals and phthalates, which are known endocrine disrupters, attach themselves to PM2.5.
Breast cancer rates vary based on region. The study evaluated eight locations, comprising of six states (California, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Louisiana) and two metropolitan areas (Atlanta and Detroit).
The study revealed that women who lived in catchment areas with high levels of PM2.5, such as Atlanta and North Carolina, had a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Additionally, the research showed a marked increase in breast cancer incidence among women who lived in areas with higher PM2.5 levels near their homes before enrolling in the study, compared to those living in areas with lower levels.
“Although this is a relatively modest increase, these findings are significant given that air pollution is a ubiquitous exposure that impacts almost everyone,” Alexander White, who has a doctorate in epidemiology and is the lead study author and head of the Environment and Cancer Epidemiology Group at NIEHS, recently stated.
“These findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting that air pollution is related to breast cancer.”
We suggest that you take a look on the original study in order to learn more details about this.
