Monday, June 04, 2007
For years, we’ve been hearing that “environmental factors” might play a role in the development of breast cancer. Most of us probably thought, “Oh, they mean if you live near a toxic waste site.” Or “Yeah, maybe for women who encounter a lot of second-hand smoke at work…” As it turns out, our everyday environment might be more toxic than we ever thought.
“Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer,” a comprehensive review of scientific research on environmental factors that may increase breast cancer risk, is a study and paper created by The Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Mass., and published this month in the scientific journal Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society. It includes a database referencing 450 different studies involving the relationship between environmental factors and breast cancer, and it’s being cited as the most comprehensive roundup yet compiled regarding this complex issue. The paper’s introduction reads as follows:
“At the invitation of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, we reviewed studies of breast cancer and environmental pollutants… and animal studies that identify chemicals as potential mammary carcinogens. Databases developed in the review include information on 216 chemicals* that increased mammary gland tumors in animal studies and 450 epidemiologic studies (accessible at www.silentspring.org/sciencereview and www.komen.org/environment). Exposure to potential mammary carcinogens is widespread from chemicals found in consumer products, air and drinking water pollution, food, and women's workplaces… evidence is emerging for associations between breast cancer and polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organic solvents.”
*Of the 216 chemicals cited above:
More on PCBs from the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Web site:
“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has concluded that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. The EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have determined that PCBs are probably carcinogenic to humans.”
More on PAHs from the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Web site:
“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may reasonably be expected to be carcinogens.”
Well, that certainly gives you pause, doesn’t it? Do you see yet another possible breast cancer risk developing here? Let’s get down to basics, and see where we might find ourselves exposed to these chemicals that the government says “may reasonably be expected to be carcinogens.”
“Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer,” a comprehensive review of scientific research on environmental factors that may increase breast cancer risk, is a study and paper created by The Silent Spring Institute, Newton, Mass., and published this month in the scientific journal Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society. It includes a database referencing 450 different studies involving the relationship between environmental factors and breast cancer, and it’s being cited as the most comprehensive roundup yet compiled regarding this complex issue. The paper’s introduction reads as follows:
“At the invitation of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, we reviewed studies of breast cancer and environmental pollutants… and animal studies that identify chemicals as potential mammary carcinogens. Databases developed in the review include information on 216 chemicals* that increased mammary gland tumors in animal studies and 450 epidemiologic studies (accessible at www.silentspring.org/sciencereview and www.komen.org/environment). Exposure to potential mammary carcinogens is widespread from chemicals found in consumer products, air and drinking water pollution, food, and women's workplaces… evidence is emerging for associations between breast cancer and polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organic solvents.”
*Of the 216 chemicals cited above:
• 73 have been present in consumer products or as contaminants in food.
• 35 are air pollutants.
• 25 have been associated with occupational exposures affecting more than 5,000 women a year.
• 29 are produced in the United States in large amounts, often exceeding 1 million pounds per year.
• 35 are air pollutants.
• 25 have been associated with occupational exposures affecting more than 5,000 women a year.
• 29 are produced in the United States in large amounts, often exceeding 1 million pounds per year.
More on PCBs from the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Web site:
“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has concluded that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. The EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have determined that PCBs are probably carcinogenic to humans.”
More on PAHs from the Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Web site:
“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may reasonably be expected to be carcinogens.”
Well, that certainly gives you pause, doesn’t it? Do you see yet another possible breast cancer risk developing here? Let’s get down to basics, and see where we might find ourselves exposed to these chemicals that the government says “may reasonably be expected to be carcinogens.”
Eight Breast Cancer Symptoms: When To Worry 
Ten Breast Cancer Myths Debunked 
Eat to Live: 10 Things to Know About Breast Cancer and Nutrition 
When Breast Cancer Returns: 10 Things to Know About Metastatic Breast Cancer 
