Some new studies present evidence that as much as 50% of breast cancers are not caused by genetic factors - or lifestyle choices such as drinking.

Instead, it is believed by many that environmental factors may contribute to many cases of breast cancer. And some of these environmental factors are items that we encounter on a daily basis.

Estrogen mimicking substances are one of the leading suspects. These include: Bisphenol-A (BPA) - used to make some plastics and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also used in many plastics.

Other environmental substances associated with greater cancer risk are aromatic amines (tobacco smoke, diesel exhaust, grilled meats, polluted air and water), 1,3-butadiene (internal combustion engines, petroleum refineries tobacco smoke), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (fuel combustion), dioxin, heptachlor (an insecticide), some herbicides (atrazine, simazine, cyanazine) , Phthalates (plastics, nail polish, perfumes, skin moisturizers, flavorings, solvents) and many more.
While it is true that much of these dangers are suspected through correlational research - which doesn’t prove causation - it is still important that these substances are more thoroughly tested.

Meanwhile, since we can’t avoid all of these substances, it is best to not panic and wait for more research results - but still avoid unnecessary exposure to known carcingens whenever possible.

This report was put together by two organizations based in San Francisco: Breast Cancer Action and Breast Cancer Fund.

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