Air Pollution and Breast Cancer Risk Residential and Workplace Exposure

Study Finds Link Between Air Pollution and Breast Cancer Risk

By The ASCO Post Staff

Posted: 10/19/2023 10:34:00 AM

Last Updated: 10/19/2023 9:41:19 AM

Introduction

Women living and working in places with higher levels of fine particle air pollution are more likely to get breast cancer than those living and working in less polluted areas. Results of a study looking at the effects of both residential and workplace exposure to air pollution on breast cancer risk will be presented by Fervers et al at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2023 (Abstract 238MO).

Research Findings

According to Béatrice Fervers, MD, PhD, Head of the Prevention Cancer Environment Department at Léon Bérard Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the study showed a statistically significant association between long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution, both at home and at work, and an increased risk of breast cancer. This contrasts with previous research that only considered fine particle exposure where women were living, which showed minimal or no effects on breast cancer risk.

Study Details

The study compared home and workplace exposure to pollution in 2,419 women with breast cancer to exposure in 2,984 women without breast cancer from 1990 to 2011. The results revealed that breast cancer risk increased by 28% when exposure to fine particle (PM2.5) air pollution increased by 10 µg/m³. This increase is approximately equivalent to the difference in PM2.5 particle concentration typically seen in rural vs urban areas of Europe. Smaller increases in breast cancer risk were also recorded in women exposed to high levels of larger particle air pollution (PM10 and nitrogen dioxide). Further investigations will be conducted to examine the effects of pollution exposure during commuting on breast cancer risk.

Related Research in Lung Cancer

Charles Swanton, MD, PhD, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, emphasized the importance of these findings in patients with breast cancer. He highlighted that fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially affecting breast and other tissues. There is existing evidence that air pollutants can alter the architecture of the breast. Dr. Swanton stressed the need for laboratory studies to understand the effects of air pollutant particles on breast tumor development and progression.

Sustainable Development Goals

These findings support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. There is strong epidemiological and biological evidence linking PM2.5 particle exposure to cancer. Reducing pollution to prevent cancers aligns with the SDGs and has clinical and economic benefits.

Effects on European Policy

ESMO has urged a reduction in the limit for PM2.5 particles in the air to 5 µg/m³, in line with the World Health Organization’s air quality guidance. The European Parliament’s Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety Committee adopted this lower limit in June 2023. The ongoing revision of the European Union (EU) Ambient Air Quality Directives also reflects ESMO’s recommendations. These developments highlight the importance of scientific evidence in shaping health public policy.

By supporting these requests with solid scientific evidence, ESMO aims to contribute to a healthier environment and promote global health. Although change will not happen overnight, progress is being made in the right direction.

Conclusion

The study’s findings emphasize the link between air pollution and breast cancer risk. It is crucial to reduce PM2.5 particle exposure to prevent various types of tumors, including breast cancer. These efforts align with the SDGs and have implications for global health.

Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/esmo2023.

The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
   • Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (WASH).

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

– Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators are:

– Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

– Indicator 3.9.2: Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation, and lack of hygiene (WASH).

– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).

– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses from pollution, improving air quality in cities, and integrating climate change measures into national policies.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators