A new study has found a strong link between certain common chemicals in our environment and a higher risk of cancers like breast, ovarian, skin, and uterine cancer.
The research was done by scientists from UC San Francisco, the University of Southern California, and the University of Michigan.
The study looked at chemicals called PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and phenols, including BPA.
These chemicals are found in many everyday products—like non-stick cookware, food wrappers, and even some personal care items. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they stay in the environment and in the human body for a long time.
The study showed that women with higher levels of certain PFAS in their bodies were almost twice as likely to have had melanoma or uterine cancer. Researchers believe these chemicals may interfere with the body’s hormones, which could raise the risk of certain hormone-related cancers.
The study included data from over 10,000 people and also looked at differences between racial and ethnic groups.
Interestingly, some of the links between these chemicals and cancer were more common in white women, particularly for ovarian and uterine cancer. On the other hand, connections between PFAS, phenols, and breast cancer were seen more often in non-white women.
Lead author Amber Cathey explained that these chemicals appear to disrupt how hormones work in the body. Senior author Max Aung said we should view PFAS and phenols as environmental risk factors.
He called for action to reduce exposure. Another expert, Tracey J. Woodruff, said this study supports the need for stronger government rules. She believes the EPA should treat PFAS as a group of harmful substances, instead of regulating them one by one.
While the study doesn’t prove that these chemicals directly cause cancer, it does offer strong reasons to keep studying them. The findings also support taking steps to lower people’s exposure to these harmful substances.
If you’re interested in lowering your cancer risk, other studies suggest that regular exercise may help stop cancer from growing and that vitamin D could lower the risk of dying from cancer.
There’s also research showing that eating yogurt and a high-fiber diet might help reduce the risk of lung cancer, and that new cancer treatments could help the immune system fight back.
The full study was published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about Diabetes drug metformin is a promising ally in prostate cancer battle and findings of Colorectal cancer: The best screening test is the one you take.
For more about cancer, please read studies about Scientists solve the mystery of cancer metastasis and findings of Vitamin B3 supplement is linked to cancer risk and spread.
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