Smoking
Although not initially thought to be a tobacco-related cancer, over the last several decades evidence has been accumulating on the role of both active smoking and secondhand smoking in the etiology of breast cancer (Reynolds 2013). The most recent wave of evidence suggests that there is a potentially unpremeditated role for active smoking and breast cancer, particularly for heavy smokers and smokers who began in their youth (Reynolds). There are some problems with the design method behind labeling specific risk factors because cigarette smoker are more likely to consume alcohol. This makes it problematic when it comes to differentiating effects from specific behaviors. The observed smoking related risk for breast cancer has the potential …show more content…
By combining the data collected from epidemiologic studies of hormonal influences in breast cancer as well as the carcinogenic potential of certain synthetic chemicals, experts can suggest environmental pollutants as possible sources of risk for the development of breast cancer. Currently, incidence is rising most rapidly in low-risk populations both internationally (Parkin 2001) and in the United States (SEER 2002), suggesting that ongoing cultural change is a primary contributor. Specifically for Los Angeles County, California, incidence among non-Hispanic whites is 20% higher than for African Americans and roughly double the rate for Hispanics and Asian Americans; in contrast, the rates of change are highest among Asian Americans (Brody 2003). Strong toxicological evidence points to a large number of ubiquitous pollutants that are plausibly linked to breast cancer because they mimic or disrupt hormones known to affect breast cancer risk, initiate mammary tumors in animals, or permanently alter breast development, affecting susceptibility (Brody). These classes include halogenated chemicals and solvents, including components of gasoline; aromatic amino/ nitro compounds; dyes; and epoxides or chemicals that form epoxide intermediates (Rudel 2007). Given the considerable resources necessary to advance toxicological data, this observation leads us to look for ways to reinforce the current practice of chemicals risk assessment and regulations as potentially economical tools for breast cancer prevention (Rudel). Since many of the listed products are so intertwined in people’s lives, it
Although not initially thought to be a tobacco-related cancer, over the last several decades evidence has been accumulating on the role of both active smoking and secondhand smoking in the etiology of breast cancer (Reynolds 2013). The most recent wave of evidence suggests that there is a potentially unpremeditated role for active smoking and breast cancer, particularly for heavy smokers and smokers who began in their youth (Reynolds). There are some problems with the design method behind labeling specific risk factors because cigarette smoker are more likely to consume alcohol. This makes it problematic when it comes to differentiating effects from specific behaviors. The observed smoking related risk for breast cancer has the potential …show more content…
By combining the data collected from epidemiologic studies of hormonal influences in breast cancer as well as the carcinogenic potential of certain synthetic chemicals, experts can suggest environmental pollutants as possible sources of risk for the development of breast cancer. Currently, incidence is rising most rapidly in low-risk populations both internationally (Parkin 2001) and in the United States (SEER 2002), suggesting that ongoing cultural change is a primary contributor. Specifically for Los Angeles County, California, incidence among non-Hispanic whites is 20% higher than for African Americans and roughly double the rate for Hispanics and Asian Americans; in contrast, the rates of change are highest among Asian Americans (Brody 2003). Strong toxicological evidence points to a large number of ubiquitous pollutants that are plausibly linked to breast cancer because they mimic or disrupt hormones known to affect breast cancer risk, initiate mammary tumors in animals, or permanently alter breast development, affecting susceptibility (Brody). These classes include halogenated chemicals and solvents, including components of gasoline; aromatic amino/ nitro compounds; dyes; and epoxides or chemicals that form epoxide intermediates (Rudel 2007). Given the considerable resources necessary to advance toxicological data, this observation leads us to look for ways to reinforce the current practice of chemicals risk assessment and regulations as potentially economical tools for breast cancer prevention (Rudel). Since many of the listed products are so intertwined in people’s lives, it