Scientists Identify High-Priority Chemicals That May Cause Breast Cancer

A new American environmental health study identified 17 “high-priority” chemicals women should avoid to reduce breast cancer risk.

Approximately %12.4 of women born in America today develop breast cancer during life. Earlier research linked some chemical exposures to greater risk. This environmental health study identified 17 “high-priority” chemicals to avoid.

By identifying common high-priority exposures and their levels, the study offers a preventive roadmap. It will guide exposure reduction and help understand effects on women.

Only approximately % 5-10 of breast cancers result from high-risk inherited genes. Around %80 of diagnosed women are their family's first case. Evidence also points to additional causes.

Many studies have shown increased risk from chemicals such as alcohol and tobacco and their use alongside hormone replacement therapy, helping identify breast carcinogens (cancer-causing substances).

Researchers highlighted that many other chemicals cause mammary tumors in animals, but few have been studied in human breast cancer because suitable exposure measurement methods were lacking. They therefore sought the highest-risk chemicals and ways to measure exposure.

Before identifying the 102 chemicals women were most likely exposed to, they identified 216 linked to rodent breast cancer. They assessed exposure in rodent studies and compared human results to determine whether rodent findings could predict human outcomes.

They reviewed studies measuring individual chemicals or metabolites in blood, urine and other samples (metabolites are compounds produced in biological reactions, normally transformed rather than accumulated). This was emphasized as the best exposure measurement approach.

Gasoline and combustion chemicals form the largest “breast carcinogen” group. Researchers identified 17 high-priority groups. The largest environmental sources were combustion chemicals such as benzene and butadiene, present in vehicle fuel, lawn equipment, tobacco smoke and burned or charred food.

Some solvents, including methylene chloride and other halogenated organic solvents in industrial degreasers, special cleaning products and stain removers, were also identified as breast carcinogens.

Others include chemicals in flame retardants, stain-resistant textiles, hormone replacement therapy and drinking-water disinfection byproducts.

Among 102 identified high-priority carcinogens, biomarkers in urine, blood or other samples were found for 62. Rodent methods could also identify another 11 chemicals in humans.

Experts say the chemical–breast cancer relationship has largely been ignored. Reducing exposure could reduce many women's risk, yet prevention information rarely mentions it. Research targeting toxic exposures receives just 1 drop in the bucket of breast cancer spending.

This study may change that. An upcoming American sister study involving more than 50 thousand women aims to use these findings for better understanding of causes.

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Breast Carcinogens

There are several things you can do right now to reduce your risk of exposure to breast carcinogens:

• Limit exposure to fossil-fuel fumes such as gasoline and diesel from vehicles and generators,
• Use gas- or electric-powered lawnmowers,
• Use a fan while cooking and reduce burned or charred food,
• Avoid stain-resistant rugs, fabrics and furniture,
• Use a solid carbon block drinking-water filter,
• Clean with damp cloths and mops to reduce chemical exposure from household dust.

This study supports reducing risk by attending to small but important daily details. Remember, healthy lifestyle changes can show cancer is not your destiny. Why not live healthily through greater awareness and control...