Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Περιβάλλον και Υγεία: Διαχείριση Περιβαλλοντικών Θεμάτων με Επιπτώσεις στην ΥγείαLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Supervisors info:
Νικόλαος Καβαντζάς, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή,ΕΚΠΑ, Επιβλέπων
Ανδρέας Χ. Λάζαρης, Kαθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Ιωάννα Γιαννοπουλου, Ε.ΔΙ.Π., Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις στην ανάπτυξη νεοπλασίας του γεννητικού συστήματος και του μαστού στις γυναίκες
Translated title:
Enviromental impact on the development of breast cancer and reproductive system neoplasms in women
Summary:
Introduction: The development of breast cancer and reproductive system neoplasms in women is related to the degree of exposure to carcinogens in synergy with each person's genetic background along with individual factors. Scientific literature provides important evidence for environmental and occupational causes of cancer.
Aim: Aim of this critical review study is to map environmental factors that are causally related to the appearance of neoplasia in the female reproductive system and breast.
Method - Material: Critical review of selected articles regarding the environmental determinants related to the occurrence of reproductive system cancer and breast cancer in women. An in depth literature search was conducted in scientific databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus) with the use of appropriate indexing words, for articles published after 2005.
Results: Data from research articles, meta-analysis reports and international or national reports on the impact of environmental factors regarding the incidence of breast and reproductive cancers in women, was assessed. There is enough published evidence that correlates exposure to various chemicals and radiation along with lifestyle choices and modern urban environments or even occupational exposure factors. The multifactoriality of cancer incidence is clearly illustrated and the contribution of environmental factors to cancer incidence and mortality are also confirmed by our study. The study also highlights the changing epidemiological characteristics of the different types of gynecological and breast cancer that are predominantly associated with public prevention and accessibility to appropriate health services. Reasons for geographical differences regarding cancer epidemiology even localized in the same country are discussed. On the other hand, changes in the living environment and lifestyle may increase exposure to factors that have not been yet studied.
Conclusions: A better understanding of the causal nature and heterogeneity of breast cancer is critical to help researchers improve the design and interpretation of studies regarding potential risk factors. Environmental factors that are responsible for carcinogenesis may have direct effects or may act indirectly through mediators or cumulative synergy.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Cancer, Breast, Female reproductive system
Number of references:
109
