Environmental Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

There is a wide range of information on breast cancer than can be found on the Internet. Most notable is the impact environmental factors can have on breast cancer development. Scientific studies have found a link between diet, lifestyle, pesticides, chemicals, pollutants, and other environmental factors that could be increasing any woman's breast cancer risk. Most research suggests that a healthy diet low in fat, sugar, and alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk. In addition, low activity levels and cigarette smoking can significantly increase a woman's risk. There are certain lifestyle choices that can be made to promote breast health. However, there are certain factors such as exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and pesticides that can be out of a person's control. A person can't knowingly avoid air pollution or be sure their food is pesticide-free. Therefore it is important for women to control the factors they can, such as diet and exercise. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the 7^th leading cause of death according to the CDC. It is imperative that women be proactive about the risk factors.

Diet

Western Diet May Increase Risk: a recent study shows that the Western diet high in meats and sugar may contribute to breast cancer risk.

Does Diet Affect Breast Cancer Risk?: a study that details the effects of alcohol consumption and weight gain on breast cancer development.

Reduce Fat Levels: the results of a study from the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study show that a decrease in fat intake can decrease a woman's chance of developing breast cancer.

Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer: a discussion of plant foods such as soybeans on breast cancer risk.

Lifestyle

Increased Risk of Second Breast Cancer: a study that shows certain lifestyle factors increase the chance of re-occurrence in survivors.

Healthier Habits: an overview of healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce breast cancer risks.

Lifestyle Factors that Can Reduce Risk: a compilation of information on the researched effects of such things as birth control pills, antibiotics, and hormone therapy and their links to breast cancer.

Smoking Ups Breast Cancer Risk: a recent study shows that smoking as few as 100 cigarettes over a lifetime can significantly increase a woman's chance of breast cancer development.

Pesticides

Historical Exposure to Pesticides: includes the abstract and full length PDF text of a study of pesticides and breast cancer as far back as the use of DDT in 1948.

An Evaluation of Diazinon: a fact sheet on the link between the pesticide Diazinon and breast cancer.

Pesticides and Herbicides: a study that shows leaner post-menopausal women with pesticide residue in their fat tissue have a higher rate of breast cancer.

Farmers' Wives: a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology of the breast cancer rate of farmers' wives due to pesticide usage.

Chemicals

Heterocyclic Amines in Cooked Meats: a recent study shows that certain meats at high temperatures produce a chemical that has been linked to specific cancers including breast cancer.

Industrial Chemicals: an overview of certain chemicals such as organochlorines and dioxins that have an impact on breast cancer development.

Childhood at Risk: an hour long video that discusses the impacts of childhood exposure to chemicals including a segment on the exposure of young woman and the link to breast cancer.

Bisphenol-A (BPA): a look at the synthetic estrogen used in everyday products that has been linked to breast cancer rates.

Pollution

Breast Cancer Statistics: a regional study that shows breast cancer rates to be higher for those who live near the Pottstown Landfill than the national and tri-county rates.

Pollutants of the Environment and Breast Cancer: studies show that pollutants can aid in breast tumor growth, damage DNA, and increase risk by altering mammary gland development.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: research the impact of this air pollutant on breast cancer risk.

Other Factors

Seven Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer Risk: an overview of the major risk factors including low activity levels and alcohol consumption.

Silicone Breast Implant Study: a study on the long term health effects of breast implants on breast cancer risk.

Light at Night Raises Breast Cancer Risk: an Israeli study that shows women exposed to more light at night have a higher risk of breast cancer due to its impact on melatonin production.