Environmental Metal Exposure Associated with Increased Breast Cancer Risk

The research applied mixed-effects logistic regression models and quantile-based g computation models. The results pointed to Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn) as the key positive contributors, with Zinc (Zn) and Tungsten (W) emerging as significant negative factors. The joint effect of this metal mixture was staggering, with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.51 (95%CI = 2.32–8.79), suggesting a clear dose-response relationship.

The findings underscore an unfavorable exposure profile, characterized by elevated Copper and diminished Zinc levels. This significantly heightens the risk of developing female breast cancer. Also, this study provides a critical foundation for understanding the combined impact of metals by emphasizing the need for further exploration and confirmation of these compelling results. As environmental factors continue to be verified in detail, this study marks a big forward in unraveling the complex dynamics between metal exposure and breast cancer risk.

Reference:

Fernández-Martínez, N. F., Rodríguez-Barranco, M., Huerta, J. M., Gil, F., Olmedo, P., Molina-Montes, E., Guevara, M., Zamora-Ros, R., Jiménez-Zabala, A., Colorado-Yohar, S. M., Ardanaz, E., Bonet, C., Amiano, P., Chirlaque, M. D., Pérez-Gómez, B., Jiménez-Moleón, J. J., Martín-Jiménez, M., de Santiago, E., & Sánchez, M.-J. (2024). Breast cancer risk for the joint exposure to metals and metalloids in women: Results from the EPIC-Spain cohort. The Science of the Total Environment, 912(168816), 168816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168816