The Environment and Breast Cancer
RISK REDUCTION
The Precautionary Principle
The "precautionary principle," states that "when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not yet fully established scientifically.” Instead of the public having to show that they have been harmed, (a proof that is virtually impossible because of the lack of scientific information,) a proponent has to prove that the activity, process, or chemical exposure is harmless.
Consumers have the right to know what they are exposed to on a daily basis. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens, some are suspected carcinogens and we do not know if the remainder pose a threat to human health. However we feel that the public should have the choice.
Some Facts...
* The risk for breast cancer has nearly tripled since 1940. Now, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
* White women are most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, black women are more likely to die from it.
* Less than 10% of breast cancers are hereditary.
* 60% of people with breast cancer do not have any of the “known” personal risk factors. Known risk factors, like late menopause, having children late in life, and family history are present in only 40% of breast cancer cases.
* Federal breast cancer research has increased dramatically in the last ten years, but less than 3% of those funds have gone into investigating the environmental links to breast cancer.
* We are exposed to at least 125 different chemicals on a daily basis and your breasts may contain up to 200 toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens, or can harm the reproductive system.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS
COSMETICS AND FRAGRANCED PRODUCTS POSE HIGH RISKS FOR BREAST CANCER AND OTHER ILLNESSES
MOST CANCER IS MADE, NOT BORN
By Devra Lee Davis, Environmental Health Scientist
click here
WHAT'S IN YOUR GREEN TEA?
By Frances Cerra Whittelsey
An In These Times special investigation
click here
RESEARCHERS EXPLORE A NEW TOXIC POLLUTION SITE: PEOPLE
click here
16 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER LIFE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
click here
Environmental Links to Breast Cancer and Other Reproductive Health Problems-The following slide show was developed by Devra Lee Davis, Ph.D., MPH, Director of the Health, Environment and Development Program at the World Resources Institute, Washington, DC.
Breast Cancer and the Environment Slide Show -click here
Breast cancer is a disease of tremendous significance to women. It is the most common cancer among women in developed countries, and its incidence is rapidly increasing in the developing world. Known risk factors for the disease, such as family history and age at menstruation, explain fewer than one in three cases. While screening and diagnosis has improved in many regions, it cannot completely account for the rate increases. Much research funding has been devoted to treatment of breast cancer rather than its prevention. To date, potential environmental causes of breast cancer have received little attention, even though there is increasing evidence that such links exist.
The following slides explain the evidence that links environmental exposures with the development of breast cancer. Recent research has focused on the role of estrogenic compounds in the etiology of breast cancer. Most of the known risk factors for breast cancer can be linked to total lifetime exposure to bioavailable estrogens. In fact, 40% of all cancers in women are thought to be hormonally mediated.
How would synthetic estrogens play a part? Scientists believe that these compounds (some pesticides, plastics, fuels, natural plant substances to name a few) may modify or mimic natural estrogen, a key hormone in the endocrine system. Over time, accumulated exposures to xenoestrogens may result in abnormal cell activity. Certain xenoestrogens may boost production of "bad" estrogens, or increase aberrant cell growth, resulting in cancer. Others can bolster "good" estrogens that prevent cancer. These "good" estrogens can be found in soy plants and the "bad" ones in some agricultural chemicals and plastic products.
Xenoestrogens come from factories, not food. But they wind up in food because they get into the environment, where toxic organic pollutants like DDT can persist for more than 50 years. Even pesticides banned in the U.S. can wend their way back to our homes in some imported exotic fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Xenoestrogens can also be encountered in items of everyday use - gasoline, weed killers, even some plastics.
The slides, and the accompanying text, explore these issues in more detail. Link to the other web sites listed for more detailed information on environmental links to breast cancer and related topics.
PREVENTION IS THE CURE
This information is intended for educational purposes only, in order to help you make informed health choices. We are providing this information to advise you of the complete scientific overview that is currently available, although we may not necessarily endorse it. Breast Cancer Options 2002
http://www.breastcanceroptions.org/RiskReduction.asp
