Aluminium and the human breast

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oncology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Human exposure to aluminium (Al) occurs through diet, antacids, and vaccines.
• Antiperspirant use introduces significant Al exposure directly to the breast area.
• Breast cancer incidence is disproportionately high in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of aluminium (Al) exposure from antiperspirants in breast cyst and cancer development.
• To review experimental evidence on Al's impact on human breast epithelial cell biology.
• To assess Al as a potential causative factor for gross cystic breast disease and breast cancer hallmarks.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing experimental evidence on Al's effects on breast cells.
• Analysis of Al levels in human breast tissues and fluids.
• Examination of Al's influence on cancer hallmarks like genomic instability, proliferation, migration, and invasion.
• Assessment of Al's role as a metalloestrogen and its impact on the breast microenvironment.

Main Results:

• Al levels are higher in breast tissues than blood.
• Al adversely affects human breast epithelial cell biology at relevant concentrations.
• Evidence suggests Al may cause genomic instability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in breast cells.
• Al acts as a metalloestrogen, potentially influencing oestrogen-related breast cancer pathways.
• Al causes adverse alterations to the breast microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• Aluminium (Al) exposure from antiperspirants may contribute to the causation of breast cysts and breast cancer.
• Al's potential role in breast pathologies warrants further investigation and regulatory review.
• Reducing exposure to Al-based antiperspirant salts could be a viable breast cancer prevention strategy.