Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer - New Survey Released

Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Silent Spring Institute announced the publication of Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer, the most comprehensive state-of-the-science review to date of scientific research on environmental factors that may increase breast cancer risk. Researchers from Harvard University, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the University of Southern California, along with the Silent Spring Institute, collected and assessed existing scientific reports of breast cancer and environmental pollutants, diet, body size, and physical activity. Also reviewed were animal studies that identify chemicals as potential mammary carcinogens. The study findings were released in the online version of the American Cancer Society's scientific journal, Cancer.

The free, searchable database reveals that exposure to potential breast cancer-causing agents is widespread from chemicals used in consumer products, food, women's workplaces, and in air and water pollution. The database includes references to 900 studies of which 460 are human breast cancer studies. The researchers stressed that 29 of the potential cancer-causing carcinogens are found in massive amounts in the U.S., but little is known yet about their effects on human health. The database shows 216 environmental pollutant compounds that cause breast cancer in animals including:

73 that are present in consumer products or as contaminants in food. Ten of these are registered with the FDA for use as food additives.
35 are air pollutants
29 are produced in the United States in large amounts, often exceeding 1 million pounds per year
25 have been associated with occupational exposures affecting more than 5,000 women a year

Epidemiological studies have included only a small number of chemicals that are actually identified as cancer-causing or hormone disruptors. However, evidence is emerging of links between some common chemicals and breast cancer: