Breast cancer is a prevalent and life-threatening disease. In November 2009, the National Cancer Institute estimated that by the end of that year, there would be 190,000 new breast cancer diagnoses and more than 40,000 deaths to the disease in the United States alone. Breast cancer develops when cells within the glandular tissue of the breast mutate and begin to divide out of control, leading to the formation of a tumor. A number of environmental factors can contribute to the development of breast cancer by promoting breast cell proliferation.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapies, such as hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Estrogen leads to breast cell proliferation, and increased exposure to estrogen can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer, a site run by Vassar University, reports that the use of hormone replacement therapy over a five-year period increases a woman's risk of developing cancer by around 35 percent. Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors for developing the disease may wish to abstain from hormone replacement therapy to avoid increasing their risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol
Cornell University reports a correlation between alcohol use and the development of breast cancer. It is believed that alcohol contributes to the development of breast cancer by affecting hormone levels. Alcohol metabolism increases the levels of circulating estrogen in the body, which can, in turn, promote breast cell proliferation. Women who consume two to five alcoholic drinks per day may increase their risk of breast cancer by 40 percent. Those women at high risk for developing breast cancer should discuss concerns about alcohol use with their doctor.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Exposure to pesticides and herbicides is considered a risk factor for developing breast cancer, reports the Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer website. A number of pesticides and herbicide classes have been linked to the development of breast cancer. People can be exposed to these chemicals though physical contact with the chemical or when the pesticide or herbicide seeps into drinking water. A number of pesticides can enter the bloodstream and mimic natural estrogen, signaling breast cell proliferation. The Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer website further reports that many pesticides and herbicides alter the levels of natural estrogen metabolites in the blood, which can also promote breast cell proliferation. Limiting exposure to pesticides and herbicides may help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
