A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology reveals a potential connection between certain chemicals and an increased risk of various cancers, including breast, ovarian, skin, and uterine cancers.
This research, conducted by teams from UC San Francisco (UCSF), the University of Southern California (USC), and the University of Michigan, points to a concerning relationship between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and cancer.
The Culprits: PFAS and Phenols
The study focuses on PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and phenols, including BPA. These chemicals are pervasive in our environment, found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and food packaging.
Dubbed as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in both the environment and human body, these substances have been linked to various health issues.
Hormonal Disruption and Cancer Risk
Lead researcher Amber Cathey, Ph.D., highlights that these chemicals, particularly PFAS, may disrupt hormonal functions in women, potentially leading to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers.
The study’s data, collected from over 10,000 participants, indicate that women with higher exposure to certain PFAS had almost double the likelihood of being diagnosed with melanoma and uterine cancer.
An alarming aspect of the study is the observed racial disparities. The correlation between these chemicals and ovarian and uterine cancers was predominantly seen in white women. In contrast, non-white women showed a more significant association with breast cancer.
Urgent Call for Regulatory Action
Senior author Max Aung, Ph.D., advocates for broader consideration of PFAS and phenols as environmental risk factors.
Tracey J. Woodruff, Ph.D., MPH, emphasizes the need for policy changes, suggesting that the EPA regulate PFAS as a chemical class to reduce exposure.
Implications and Future Directions
While this study stops short of establishing a causal relationship, it underscores the need for more in-depth research.
The findings serve as a clarion call for further investigation into how endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to the development of specific cancers and for more stringent regulations to limit exposure.
This study not only highlights a potential public health issue but also paves the way for more comprehensive research and policy change to protect against these environmental risks.
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