A groundbreaking research project at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst will explore the potential link between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—known as the "forever chemicals"—and breast cancer risk, according to an article on MassLive. PFAS, which do not break down naturally and have been linked to increased breast cancer risk, can be found in a multitude of consumer products, including stain-resistant fabrics, waterproof cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and carpets. Additionally, these chemicals are used in fire-fighting foam at military installations, contributing to environmental contamination.
Using a two-year, $405,000 grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and samples provided by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank, the research team, led by epidemiologist Katherine Reeves, will analyze 286 breast tissue samples from postmenopausal donors. The researchers aim to measure PFAS concentrations within the samples and investigate any possible correlations with women's breast tissue involution—a process associated with lower risk of breast cancer. Previous studies on animals have shown that exposure to these chemicals can have detrimental effects on mammary gland development and function, as mentioned in UMass News.
Besides examining breast tissue involution, the UMass researchers will also study the relationship between PFAS exposure and breast density. As Environmental Health News reported, breast density is an established biomarker of future breast cancer risk. Higher mammographic density has been correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Also, the scientists will consider other factors, such as genetics and weight, while evaluating the association between PFAS concentration and breast density.
The findings of the UMass study are expected to offer valuable insights into the long-term effects of the legacy PFAS chemicals and similar newer chemicals that are being phased in as older ones are being phased out. According to Reeves, the research could help inform public health guidelines and new policies related to these chemicals.
While the UMass study is of monumental importance, it's not the only one investigating connections between environmental exposure and breast cancer risk. According to UMass News, another UMass cancer epidemiologist, Susan Sturgeon, received a $462,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to examine the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on breast density in young women. Sturgeon's research will focus on environmental exposure during a “window of potential increased susceptibility,” which refers to breast development stages up to and through pregnancy.
These studies serve as crucial steps in understanding the complex relationship between environmental chemical exposure and breast cancer risk. However, the public needs to familiarize themselves with the various sources of PFAS exposure in daily life. Silent Spring, a non-profit organization that studies environmental causes of breast cancer, has a mobile app called Detox Me that allows users to scan barcodes of consumer products and minimize exposure to toxic chemicals. While more research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of these "forever chemicals," these studies shed light on a significant public health issue.
