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Top Cancer and Environmental Health Resources
The selection of articles, documents and reports provided here was recommended by members of the CHE Cancer Working Group in November 2010. These were intended to provide interested readers with a range of resource materials on occupational and environmental causes of cancer. The selection is not exhaustive, but it is representative of the best thinking of CHE Partners and colleagues on this topic at the present time. It will be updated as new material becomes available and is recommended by members of the group. If you would like to recommend additional materials for this page, please email http://www.healthandenvironment.org/info@healthandenvironment.org.
Interview with Margaret Kripke, PhD, co-author of the President's Cancer Panel
This interview was conducted on February 7, 2011 by The New School and the Breast Cancer Fund.
Listen to the interview
President's Cancer Panel Annual Report, 2008-2009
CHE has a webpage dedicated to the President's Cancer Panel. Visit the webpage for information on the Panel, the report, a link to download the report and media coverage of the report. CHE Consensus Statement on Cancer and the Environment, 2009
The purpose of the attached Consensus Statement on Cancer and the Environment is to forge a national and international consensus on how to prevent environmentally-related cancers. This Consensus Statement was prepared for submission to the President's Cancer Panel, which is holding the four national meetings in 2008/2009 on cancer and the environment.
Download the statement
CHE Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer and the Environment, 2006
When all the known risk factors and characteristics are taken into account, as many as half of all breast cancer cases remain unexplained. A considerable and growing body of evidence indicates that exposure to radiation and synthetic chemicals is contributing to the epidemic of breast cancer and other cancers in the United States and other industrialized countries. The goal of this consensus statement is to bring attention to that evidence and shape new policies to protect public health.
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The Endocrine Society: Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals
The Endocrine Society Scientific Statements are designed to educate basic scientists, clinical scientists, and clinicians concerning the scientific basis of disease and its application to the practice of medicine with regard to both prevention and management.
Download the statement
State of the Evidence, 2010
The Breast Cancer Fund's landmark report summarizes and evaluates the scientific evidence linking exposures to chemicals and radiation in our everyday environments to increased breast cancer risk. It also links the science to actions we can take to reduce the risk.
Download the report
National Academy of Sciences: Science and Decisions
National Academies Press, 2009
This book is a complement to the widely used 1983 National Academies book, Risk Assessment in the Federal Government (also known as the Red Book). The earlier book established a framework for the concepts and conduct of risk assessment that has been adopted by numerous expert committees, regulatory agencies, and public health institutions. The new book embeds these concepts within a broader framework for risk-based decision-making. Together, these are essential references for those working in the regulatory and public health fields.
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Dioxin revisited: developments since the 1997 IARC classification of dioxin as a human carcinogen
Steenland K, et al., Environ Health Perspec. 2004; 112(13):1265-1268.
In 1997, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified dioxin as carcinogenic to humans. Their assessment was based on limited epidemiological evidence, but strong evidence from mechanistic studies indicating that the carcinogenic action of dioxin occurs through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is present in both humans and animals. This was the first time IARC did not depend on epidemiological evidence to determine that an agent was carcinogenic to humans. Yet because of its dependence on mechanistic evidence, this evaluation has been the source of continued debate--debates that threaten the potential downgrading of IARC's classification and is one of the reasons US EPA has stalled for decades its Dioxin Reassessment. In 2004, Kyle Steeland and colleagues published a review article on dioxin that substantiates findings regarding the carcinogenicity of dioxin using more recent epidemiological evidence and additional mechanistic studies. Thus, this study demonstrates that the "precautionary stance" taken by IARC was validated.
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Reduction in Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Mortality Extended Follow-up of the Harvard Six Cities Study
Laden F, et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006;176(6):667-672.
In 1993 Doug Dockery and colleagues published their Six Cities Study which became an integral part of EPA's proposed changes to the National Air Quality Standards on particulate matter [N Engl J Med 1993;329:1753-9]. This 2006 paper by Francine Laden and colleagues used an additional decade of data for the same six cities study population and observed that for every 10 microgram/m3 increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5), lung cancer deaths increased by 27% (statistically significant). Cardiovascular and respiratory deaths as well as total mortality also increased. This study is especially interesting because of its "smoking gun" association (reduce the exposure, reduce the effect): improved overall mortality (as well as mortality from CVD and respiratory disease) was associated with decreased average PM2.5 levels in that latter study period compared to the initial study period.
Download the study
Urgent Unanswered Questions about Breast Cancer
California Breast Cancer Research Program, 2010
This report presents highlights and summaries of research from Identifying Gaps in Breast Cancer Research, along with some of the ground-breaking research funded through the CBCRP's Special Research Initiatives that seek answers and solutions to the role of the environment in breast cancer, and the reasons why some groups of women are more likely to experience breast cancer. Download the report
Air and Water Pollutants and Cancer -- Fact Sheet
Molly Jacobs, MPH and Richard Clapp, DSc, MPH of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, in partnership with CHE and the Breast Cancer Fund, 2008
Download the fact sheet Agricultural Exposures and Cancer -- Fact Sheet
Molly Jacobs, MPH and Richard Clapp, DSc, MPH of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, in partnership with CHE and the Breast Cancer Fund, 2008
Download the fact sheet Industrial Carcinogens: A Need for Action
Molly Jacobs, MPH and Richard Clapp, DSc, MPH of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, in partnership with CHE and the Breast Cancer Fund, 2008
Download the fact sheet Identifying Gaps in Breast Cancer Research
California Breast Cancer Research Program, 2007
This document reviewing disparities and environmental issues in breast cancer was drafted, edited, and revised by 40 experts to develop recommendations for Special Research Initiatives (SRI) funding. Given that new information and research results are always being released, each of the chapters posted here is considered a working draft. As any changes are made, the revised version will be posted with a new date.
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Maximizing the Impact of the California Breast Cancer Research Program: Studying Environmental Influences and Breast Cancer
Robert C. Millikan, PhD, 2003
This position paper by Robert Millikan, Ph.D., examines the importance of research on breast cancer and the environment and the benefits and limitations integrating genetic and environmental research.
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Cancer: Environmental Pollutants and Breast Cancer
Brody, et al., Cancer. 2007 June; 109(12): 2667-2711.
Laboratory research has shown that numerous environmental pollutants cause mammary gland tumors in animals; are hormonally active, specifically mimicking estrogen, which is a breast cancer risk factor; or affect susceptibility of the mammary gland to carcinogenesis. An assessment of epidemiologic research on these pollutants identified in toxicologic studies can guide future research and exposure reduction aimed at prevention.
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Cancer: Chemicals causing mammary gland tumors in animals signal new directions for epidemiology, chemicals testing, and risk assessment for breast cancer prevention
Rudel, et al., Cancer. 2007 June; 109(12): 2635-2666.
Identifying chemical carcinogens in animal studies is currently the primary means of anticipating cancer effects in humans. Animal studies to evaluate potential chemical carcinogenicity are particularly important for breast cancer because environmental and occupational epidemiologic research is sparse. Chemicals that increased mammary gland tumors in animal studies were compiled from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), and other sources. Summary assessments of the carcinogenic potential for each chemical and potentially exposed populations were also compiled. In all, 216 chemicals were identified that have been associated with increases in mammary gland tumors in at least 1 study.
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DDT and breast cancer in young women: new data on the significance of age at exposure
Cohn BA, et al., Environ Health Perspect. 2007 Oct;115(10):1406-14.
Using blood samples from women taken during 1959-1967, Barbara Cohn and her colleagues revealed compelling evidence regarding the risk of breast cancer from exposure during critical windows of development. The study assessed the effect of serum p,p'-DDT (an endocrine disrupting chemical) and breast cancer. Their work demonstrated that women exposed to DDT under the age of 14 years of age, when the breast is developing as a result of puberty, had a statistically significant 5-fold increase risk of breast cancer.
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The multitude and diversity of environmental carcinogens
Belpomme D, et al., Environ Research. 2007; 105(3):414-429.
THIS IS NOT AN OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE.
This paper reviews the evidence linking environmental exposures with cancer. It provides compelling evidence linking cancer to a range of environmental factors (radiation, environmental tobacco smoke, air pollutants, metals, VOCs, etc.). By reviewing a broad array of factors with suggestive to strong evidence related to cancer, the paper suggests that the burden of cancer associated with environmental exposures is much higher than previously anticipated.
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