Hormone disruptors and breast cancer

Hormone disruptors are chemicals that can mimic and block the action of our own hormones because they happen to have a similar chemical structure. Hormones are signaling substances that trigger all kinds of processes in our bodies. Our bodies have difficulty distinguishing between true hormones and endocrine disruptors. Despite this chemical affinity, endocrine disruptors do not have the same effect as hormones, but they can affect our hormonal system. The effect of endocrine disruptors on health is very much debated. There is probably an effect, but it does not always depend on the dose you ingest. One such possible effect is an increased risk of breast cancer.

Where do you find them?

Avoiding hormone disruptors is an almost impossible task. They are in the air, as a byproduct of air pollution, so we inhale them. We also get them through food, when we eat foods packaged in plastic or canned goods. Most packaging contains endocrine disruptors. Residues of pesticides in fruits and vegetables, also act as endocrine disruptors. Furthermore, they are in all kinds of personal care products, from shower gel to toothpaste, as well as cosmetic products. So we smear them on our bodies as well. Finally, clothing, computers and toys can contain endocrine disruptors.

Avoiding hormone disruptors is an almost impossible task

The link to breast cancer

Hundreds of studies have already been conducted on the impact of endocrine disruptors on health. On the effect on breast cancer risk alone, a large review study was recently published that included 131 studies. Even then, it remains very difficult to draw any major conclusions because endocrine disruptors are ubiquitous. In principle, endocrine disruptors may increase the risk of breast cancer, is the cautious conclusion*. What can we do with that? Prepackaged and industrially prepared foods provide a significant supply of endocrine disruptors. Therefore, it is important to wash fruits and vegetables well before consumption and avoid prepackaged foods. Toys and clothing can also be washed before first use. However, many products containing endocrine disruptors, including sunscreen and toothpaste, also have very useful properties. Therefore, better rules are needed that packaging of all kinds must comply with.

*Murphy Lam Yim Wan, Vanessa Anna Co & Hani El-Nezami (2022) Endocrine disrupting chemicals and breast cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2022:62:24, 6549-6576.