Toxic air can now increase risk of breast cancer

Breast Cancer is one of the health problems for women worldwide. There is growing evidence indicating that air pollution increases the risk of breast cancer. Air pollutants, mainly particulate matter PM 2.5 and PM 10 that are associated with premature heart attacks and deaths are now suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer for women. Two international studies in the US and France, have shown a correlation between indoor and outdoor exposure to particulate matter and breast cancer. There are multiple studies linking PM 2.5, particles formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and certain organic compounds, with premature death, particularly in people who have chronic heart or lung diseases and reduced lung function growth in children.

However, the study had a limited ability to investigate the differences in the association between air pollution and breast cancer across study areas. Investigators recommended future studies to explore how regional differences in air pollution impact breast cancer incidence. The US study which was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Insitute, found an 8% increase in breast cancer incidence among those who are living in areas with higher PM 2.5 exposure. The study followed five lakh women and men over a 20-year period and found 15,870 breast cancer cases.

According to the report, Dr Parmar mentioned that in India, the



incidence of breast cancer increased by 50 % between 1965 and 1985. As per the Globocan data of 2020 in India, breast cancer accounted for 13.5% of all cancer cases and 10.6% of all deaths. Studies estimate the global burden of breast cancer is expected to cross almost 20 lakh by the year 2030. 

What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs of symptoms at all. 

Some warning signs of breast cancer are:

-New lump in the breast or underarm.

-Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

-Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.

-Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.

-Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. 

-Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

-Pain in any area of the breast.

What Do Lumps in My Breast Mean?

Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. However, most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. Two common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast.