Studying environmental influences and breast cancer risk: suggestions for an integrated population-based approach.
Increased attention has focused in recent years on environmental exposures which may elevate risk of human breast cancer. Following a brief introduction to the topic, we present a summary of recent evidence regarding the role of chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. pesticides), occupational exposures (e.g. electromagnetic fields), dietary factors, and other hydrocarbons (e.g. tobacco). Next, we present suggestions for additional measurements which may help to clarify the contribution of environmental factors, including individual and ecologic level exposure histories, polymorphisms in carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, and interactions among environmental exposures, breast tumor characteristics, and other risk factors for breast cancer. Finally, we discuss how a population-based approach may be used to integrate these sources of information and could provide new clues regarding the role of environmental influences in breast cancer.
Millikan
R
R
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7400, USA.
DeVoto
E
E
Newman
B
B
Savitz
D
D
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010575:Pesticides