the environment, a significant but poorly known risk factor

Research on the impact of environmental causes in the prevalence of cancer, especially breast cancer, is still a stammering. However. Nevertheless, the National Academy of Surgery has devoted a session to this problem to establish an inventory of advances in this area.

Epidemiological beam

Does the environment have a significant impact on the prevalence of cancers, in particular breast cancer? Similarly, To answer them. Therefore, the National Academy of Surgery organized an “environment and cancers” session on April 9, preceded by a press conference.

“We have a lot of avenues to incriminate environmental causes in the appearance of breast cancer. Furthermore, I note that France is in first position in terms of incidence of breast cancer. Consequently, ”started the For Carole Mathelinpresident of the National Academy of Surgery.

“We know that when women from a country where there environment, significant but poorly known are few breast cancers come to live in France. Nevertheless, they acquire the level of risk of French women after 15 years. Similarly, Yet they do not change their genetics when they arrive. Nevertheless, any more than they change their food mode or their lifestyle. Furthermore, We also became interested in the binoculars. Similarly, Depending on where they live. Similarly, ultimately, they have different risk of breast cancer, while their genetic heritage is often very identical. However, Finally, we also study the physiology of farmers, some of which have more breast cancers than others. Consequently, There is therefore a whole epidemiological beam which suggests that the environment is important in the appearance of breast cancer. Nevertheless, ”continues the PRE Carole Mathelin.

Pediatric cancers

“What arouses current questions concerning pediatric cancers is the increased knowledge of certain risk factors. For example, such as exposure to pesticides, especially in the environment, significant but poorly known professional framework of parents. Causal links have been established with certain malignant hemopathies in children. To date. there are, compensation funds for victims of pesticides exhibitions, a specific commission dedicated not only to these cancers but also to certain congenital malformations linked to parental exposure to pesticides. It is precisely parental exposure to environmental factors that influences the incidence of cancers in children. In this context. we specifically approach the professional exhibitions of the parents, whether it be the mother or, for certain pathologies, the father, where data demonstrate the impact of paternal exposure, including before design, ”adds for his part Pre Béatrice FerversHead of Department Prevention Cancer Environment at the Cancer Cancer Léon Bérard in Lyon.

For some women strongly exposed to a mixture of particles, nitrogen dioxides, etc.. in cities like Lyon and Paris, the risk of breast cancer can increase by 50% Pre Béatrice Fervers environment, significant but poorly known

Study in the Grand Est

To objectify environmental causes in breast cancer, a study was launched in the Grand Est region. “In the region of the Grand Est. in France, patients with breast cancer who undergo surgery for their illness are invited to provide their consent in order to measure 578 endocrine disruptors, 4 pfas and 30 metals,” adds Pre Carole Mathelin. “Among the endocrine disruptors, 4 molecules found out of 578 are dangerous for breast cancer. All PFASs are incriminated and also seem dangerous, acting at different tumor levels. Six metals found also seem to pose risks. ”informs Professor Mathelin, who adds that the results of this study are not yet published.

Prevention in France is fragmented. with oppositions between primary prevention, screening, and prevention during and after cancer Pre Fervers

However, the result of this kind of studies can determine the prevention environment, significant but poorly known policy to be conducted. “40% of cancers can be allocated to established risk factors, accessible to prevention. It should be noted that among these 40%. less than 10% are estimated attributable to the environment, a figure which is obviously undervalued. Exhibitions to pesticides. PFAS, and other agents are not taken into account, while our work has demonstrated an increased correlation between air pollution and the risk of breast cancer, “adds Pre -Fervers, head of the Cancer Environmental prevention department at the Cancer Léon Bérard Cancer in Lyon.

“For some women strongly exposed to a mixture of particles, nitrogen dioxides, etc., in cities like Lyon and Paris, the risk of breast cancer can increase by 50%. These risk levels are comparable to other known factors. Synergic effects of certain pollutants. especially in women with a high body mass (BMI) index, can increase the aggressiveness of cancers, ”adds the pre -fervers.

environment, significant but poorly known The in utero exhibitions affect three generations: the mother, the fetus and the gametes of the fetus. They can cause epigenetic changes with multi -generational impacts Pre Fervers

Environment. significant but poorly known – Environment, significant but poorly known

Fragmentation of prevention policies

Unfortunately, prevention policies are not up to the challenges: “Prevention in France is fragmented, with oppositions between primary prevention, screening, and prevention during and after cancer. There is also a disconnection between individual, population and public policies approaches. In terms of tobacco and alcohol, it is established that interventions on individual behavior are not enough. Messages across the population and public policies, such as the prohibition of advertising and non-smoking spaces, are necessary. As for air pollution and exposure to pesticides, it is similar, this is public policies. Researchers and doctors must share their knowledge with decision-makers so that they inform the public, ”said the PRE Fervers.

Also. for it environment, significant but poorly known to be effective, prevention must be anticipated upstream of women’s adulthood in terms of breast cancer, adds the pre -fervers. “Prevention of breast cancer does not start at 50 with screening, but much earlier. The in utero exhibitions affect three generations: the mother, the fetus and the gametes of the fetus. These exhibitions can lead to epigenetic changes with multigenic impacts. »»

Exhibition

Prevention can also be enriched with innovative research, such as those that affect the exhibition. “Exposome is a recent concept. which takes into account all chemical and environmental exposures, lifestyle, psychosocial stress, places of housing and food, throughout life, from the in utero period to adulthood. Research on global exhibitions in cancers is still limited. but several European programs are underway, ”explains the Dre Meriem Koualsurgeon gynecologist specializing in breast cancer at the European Hospital Georges Pompidou (Paris).

“We seek to better assess the exhibition. environment, significant but poorly known integrate it into care, in particular by exposure and lifestyle questionnaires in medical records, despite the difficulties linked to memorization biases. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help us, using open environmental data, for example. The Green Data for Health program. which explores how AI and Big Data can improve the characterization of the exhibition, will be relaunched this year, “she continues.

In conclusion. Pre Carole Mathelin recalls that it is important to remain modest, because there are many parameters to consider, which makes the task complex. However, public health reflections should emerge soon, especially on certain products to avoid. Obesity plays a crucial role in this problem and will require specific prevention measures ”.

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