| Title: |
Breast cancer and exposure to hormonally active chemicals: An appraisal of the scientific evidence
|
| Resource Type: |
document --> technical publication --> report
|
| Country: |
United Kingdom
|
| Year: |
2008 |
| Availability: |
April 2008
|
| Author 1/Producer: |
Andreas Kortenkamp
|
| Author / Producer Type: |
University research group / research institute
|
| Format (e.g. PDF): |
PDF
|
| Size: (e.g. 20mb) |
700
|
|
EUGRIS Keyword(s): |
Contaminated land-->Risk assessment-->Receptor: Human health
Diffuse pollution-->Contaminants-->Contaminants overview
Diffuse pollution-->Contaminants-->Pesticides
Water and sanitation-->Pollution
|
| Short description: |
Breast cancer has increased dramatically in Europe over the past 20 years, with a doubling of the number of cases in some countries over this time period. A recent report presented to the European Parliament suggests that by reducing our exposure to certain chemicals, the number of women who develop breast cancer could also be reduced.
The report by UK researchers summarises the evidence for the link between breast cancer and environmental influences. Exposure to hormone-disruptive chemicals, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs, is thought to be a key factor, but there are other relevant chemicals found in the environment, such as pesticides and phthalates (widely used in consumer products, such as plastics). Individually, these may not cause breast cancer, but there is scientific concern about the 'cocktail effect', where exposure to a combination of these chemicals may interact with hormones to trigger cancer. Studies to date have tended to focus on single chemicals, ignoring the possibility of chemical interactions.
Scientific data on the causes of cancer are difficult to assess, because there are many factors that may influence the appearance of the disease. Factors such as a woman's genetic disposition, her age when she has children, or the menopause play an important part in the development of breast cancer. However, laboratory and epidemiological evidence suggests that man-made chemicals which mimic the hormone oestrogen also contribute to breast cancer.
|
|
Submitted By:
|
Professor Paul Bardos WhoDoesWhat?
Last update: 15/05/2008
|
|
|
