Environmental Factors and Breast Cancer Science Review

Free Access Available to Mammary Carcinogens Database; Study Results Published in Cancer

On May 14, 2007, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Silent Spring Institute announced the publication of Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer, the most comprehensive review to date of scientific research on environmental factors that may increase breast cancer risk.

The state-of-the-science review, commissioned by Komen for the Cure and conducted by the Silent Spring Institute with additional researchers from Harvard University, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the University of Southern California, collected and assessed existing scientific reports on potential links between specific environmental factors and breast cancer.

Researchers identify 216 chemicals that cause breast cancer in animals
The researchers synthesized national and international data sources and identified 216 chemicals that cause breast tumors in animals. They used the information to create a unique searchable online database featuring detailed information on the carcinogens.

Free, searchable online database
The database is available free of charge and will be of particular interest to researchers, healthcare workers, policymakers and members of the public.

The database reveals that among the 216 compounds that cause breast tumors in animals:

-- 73 have been present in consumer products or as contaminants in food
-- 35 are air pollutants
-- 25 have been associated with occupational exposures affecting more than 5,000 women a year
-- 29 are produced in the United States in large amounts, often exceeding 1 million pounds per year.

The database includes references to 900 studies, 460 of which are human breast cancer studies that were critically evaluated by the research team. The studies measure breast cancer risk related to body size, physical activity, environmental pollutants, and prospective studies of diet. For each study, bibliographic information, key methods and findings, and a critical assessment of the strength of the evidence is included.

Komen for the Cure’s goal in funding the initiative
Komen for the Cure’s goal in funding the Silent Spring initiative was to determine where there is consensus within the scientific community on the relationship between environmental factors and breast cancer and where additional research or improved research methods are needed. Such information can help guide public policy and help funding organizations like Komen for the Cure to determine where to most effectively target research grant monies.

Silent Spring Institute examines lifestyle influences
The Silent Spring Institute study also examined lifestyle influences on breast cancer, such as physical activity and diet. The study results underscore the importance of regular, life-long physical activity to lower a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. The study concluded that further research is needed to determine the relationship between dietary factors and breast cancer risk.

Komen funds additional environmental projects
In response to the study’s findings, Komen is now funding the development of new and innovative models for researching breast cancer and environmental risk factors. Komen also continues to fund environmental projects as part of its investigator-initiated grants program and is actively looking for ways to partner with other research groups such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Health Labs.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is committed to continuing its involvement in the investigation of environmental factors related to breast cancer and is funding a second phase of the Silent Spring Institute study. Phase two focuses on the toxicology of endocrine disruptors, perinatal and early life exposures, non-hormonal pharmaceuticals, tobacco smoke, occupational exposures, exposure to light at night, and stress and social factors.

The study findings were released in the online version of the scientific journal Cancer. A hard copy version of the study will be published as a supplement to the June 15 edition of Cancer. Cancer is a journal of the American Cancer Society.

About Silent Spring Institute
Silent Spring Institute is a partnership of scientists and activists dedicated to studying the links between the environment and women's health, especially breast cancer, with a goal of prevention.