Environmental Causes of Breast Cancer

World wide more than one million women die from breast cancer every year. Yet less than one out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer has a genetic predisposition.

The January 2006 report, State of the Evidence: What is the Connection Between the Environment and Breast Cancer? (breastcancerfund.org) summarizing more than 350 recent studies in breast cancer research, cites exposure to radiation and synthetic chemicals as possible causes.

Environmental factors that the report cites as causes of cancer include xenoestrogens (hormone disrupters) found in pesticides, fuels, plastics, detergents, and prescription drugs; solvents;
hormones used in oral contraceptives and replacement therapy; ionizing radiation; aromatic amines from diesel exhaust, tobacco smoke, and grilled meats; and 1,3 butadiene, an air
pollutant created by internal combustion engines, also found in tobacco smoke.