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Cancer and the environment
1MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Hospital.
Journal of the Royal Society of Health
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Environmental factors cause only 5% of cancers, with few linked to man-made pollutants. Reducing smoking offers greater cancer prevention than environmental measures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Growing concern over environmental deterioration and its impact on public health.
- Cancer rates are increasing in the elderly but declining in younger populations, suggesting complex etiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking environmental problems to cancer causation.
- To assess the proportion of cancers attributable to environmental factors, distinguishing between natural and man-made causes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and epidemiological data on cancer incidence and environmental exposures.
- Analysis of cancer trends across different age groups and correlation with environmental factors.
Main Results:
- An estimated 5% of all cancers are linked to environmental factors.
- Over half of environmentally linked cancers stem from geophysical properties, not solely man-made pollutants.
- Occupational hazards contribute to increased cancer rates, often addressed by legislation.
Conclusions:
- While occupational exposures are significant, the overall contribution of environmental factors to cancer burden is relatively small.
- Reducing smoking prevalence is identified as the most impactful strategy for cancer prevention compared to environmental interventions.