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Breast cancer and the environment.
1International Agency for Research on Cancer, and Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Lyon, France. sasco@iarc.fr
Hormone Research
|December 13, 2003
Summary
Breast cancer is a global epidemic, ranking as the most frequent cancer in women worldwide. Unexplained increases in cases suggest environmental factors may play a role, necessitating further research into potential causes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading global cancer, accounting for 10% of all cancers and significantly impacting women's health.
- Worldwide, breast cancer incidence has risen, with over 1 million new cases and 370,000 deaths estimated in 2000.
- Geographical variations in incidence exist, with lower rates in Africa and Asia compared to North America and Europe, suggesting environmental influences over genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the escalating global burden of breast cancer.
- To explore potential environmental factors contributing to unexplained increases in breast cancer incidence.
- To emphasize the need for further research into the etiology of breast cancer, particularly concerning environmental exposures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global cancer statistics from 1980 to 2000.
- Review of existing literature on breast cancer risk factors, including reproductive, hormonal, dietary, genetic, and environmental elements.
- Synthesis of findings from international summits on breast cancer and the environment.
Main Results:
- Breast cancer incidence has significantly increased globally between 1980 and 2000.
- Environmental factors are hypothesized as a key driver for these increases, as genetic factors play a minimal role.
- While mortality rates are stabilizing or decreasing in some Western countries, incidence continues to rise globally.
Conclusions:
- Breast cancer represents a significant and growing global health challenge.
- Further investigation into environmental exposures, including pesticides and contaminants, is crucial for understanding and mitigating breast cancer risk.
- Research into occupational factors and environmental contaminants in food, air, water, and soil is urgently needed, especially in regions like Africa.