Colorectal cancers and chlorinated water

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Published reports indicate an elevated risk of colorectal cancers associated with exposure to chlorinated drinking water.
• Chlorination byproducts in drinking water are potential carcinogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the protective role of estrogen against colorectal cancer risk from chlorinated water exposure.
• To identify supplementary strategies for reducing cancer risk.
• To investigate potential biomarkers for early cancer detection.

Main Methods:

• Review of published reports on chlorinated water and cancer.
• Analysis of estrogen's biochemical functions related to chemical reduction and excretion.
• Consideration of public health interventions and pharmacological approaches.
• Evaluation of DNA hypo-methylation as a potential screening marker.

Main Results:

• Estrogen demonstrates a dual protective function by reducing the absorption and increasing the excretion of chlorinated compounds.
• Boiling drinking water, adjusting calcium, magnesium, and iron levels, and prescribing estrogen to susceptible individuals are identified as risk-reduction strategies.
• Genomic DNA hypo-methylation is proposed as a biological marker for screening colorectal cancer development.

Conclusions:

• Estrogen plays a significant role in mitigating colorectal cancer risk associated with chlorinated water exposure.
• A multi-faceted approach combining environmental modifications and targeted interventions can further reduce cancer risks.
• DNA hypo-methylation presents a promising avenue for early screening of colorectal cancer.