DDT (dicophane) and postmenopausal breast cancer in Europe: case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine any possible links between exposure to DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethylene), the persistent metabolite of the pesticide dicophane (DDT), and breast cancer.


METHODS
Multicentre study of exposure to DDE by measurement of adipose tissue aspirated from the buttocks. Laboratory measurements were conducted in a single laboratory. Additional data on risk factors for breast cancer were obtained by standard questionnaires.


METHODS
Centres in Germany, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, and Spain.


METHODS
265 postmenopausal women with breast cancer and 341 controls matched for age and centre.


METHODS
Adipose DDE concentrations.


RESULTS
Women with breast cancer had adipose DDE concentrations 9.2% lower than control women. No increased risk of breast cancer was found at higher concentrations. The odds ratio of breast cancer, adjusted for age and centre, for the highest versus the lowest fourth of DDE distribution was 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.44 to 1.21) and decreased to 0.48 (0.25 to 0.95; P for trend = 0.02) after adjustment for body mass index, age at first birth, and current alcohol drinking. Adjustment for other risk factors did not materially affect these estimates.


CONCLUSIONS
The lower DDE concentrations observed among the women with breast cancer may be secondary to disease inception. This study does not support the hypothesis that DDE increases risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women in Europe.
van't Veer
P
P
National School of Public Health, Madrid, Spain.
Lobbezoo
I E
IE
Martín-Moreno
J M
JM
Guallar
E
E
Gómez-Aracena
J
J
Kardinaal
A F
AF
Kohlmeier
L
L
Martin
B C
BC
Strain
J J
JJ
Thamm
M
M
van Zoonen
P
P
Baumann
B A
BA
Huttunen
J K
JK
Kok
F J
FJ
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003634:DDT / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009660:Northern Ireland; D016017:Odds Ratio; D017698:Postmenopause; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain; D013557:Switzerland
D007306:Insecticides; D003634:DDT