Chemicals' Link to Breast Cancer
- In a recent article, two researchers claim over 200 chemicals were linked to tumor growth in animals’ mammary glands.
- The experts argue that these findings should be addressed on the National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s breast cancer prevention page.
- There’s no scientific evidence so far that chemical exposure can increase the risk of breast cancer in women, but known risk factors include alcohol consumption, diet, exercise, and genetic sequences.
Related: Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Read MoreCoverage of Breast Cancer Prevention
In the article, co-authors Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, as well as Margaret Kripke, a professor emerita at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, address the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) breast cancer prevention page.Related: Breastfeeding May Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Birnbaum and Kripke state NCI’s prevention page openly states that there is no evidence to suggest being exposed to certain chemicals increases the risk of breast cancer. However, the authors bring up numerous studies which have linked tumor growth in animals’ mammary glands. Birnbaum and Kripke claim by NCI not addressing these studies on their prevention page does a disservice to the public. They believe the page should acknowledge that there may be an increased risk in developing breast cancer.
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A Call to Action
Both Birnbaum and Kripke say that NCI must address these findings in order to help the public. By addressing the tumor growth in animals, the experts claim regulating chemical exposure in food, water, and air could help those who see the most harm such as Black and Brown women as well as low-income women.
There are serious disparities surrounding breast cancer care for Black women. Although they are less likely to be diagnosed than white women, Black women are 42% more likely to die from the disease. In addition to survival rates, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer when it’s reached later stages. This severely impacts treatment options and outcomes.
In order to push for change, a number of scientists, oncologists, and organizations have teamed up with Breast Cancer Action to demand NCI makes studies available which examine the link of chemicals to breast cancer diagnoses.
Dr. Anita Johnson talks racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes and how to close the gap
Known Risks of Breast Cancer
Research is constantly being done to determine if specific products are associated with breast cancer risk. However, currently, there are certain factors that have been proven. This includes genetics, diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption.
"Common causes include genetic predispositions, such as BRCA mutations or other mutations that cause breast cancer," Dr. Sarah Cate, assistant professor of surgery Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told SurvivorNet in a previous interview. "Other causes are family history, obesity, radiation to the chest, alcohol use, never having children, and certain types of abnormal breast biopsies."
Related: The Top Breast Cancer Risk Factors and What You Can Do About It
Even though we may not be able to control certain factors such as genetic predispositions, there are risk factors we can take control of. Consuming five or more drinks per week increase the risk of breast cancer by nearly two times the baseline population, so moderation is key. Additionally, limiting certain foods such as red meat in favor of a more plant based diet can be helpful to take control of your health.
Dr. Elizabeth Comen explains how alcohol is linked to breast cancer
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