In a noteworthy exploration, a recent North Carolina study delves into the intricate relationship between environmental contaminants and the heightened prevalence of breast cancer in urban landscapes compared to their rural counterparts. Leading the research, Larisa Gearhart-Serna, a Ph.D. candidate at the Duke Cancer Institute, underscores the pivotal connection established between breast cancer incidence and the quality of the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INDEX (EQI) AS A CRUCIAL LENS
Published on November 20 in Scientific Reports, this study relies on data derived from the Environmental Quality Index (EQI), meticulously examining aspects such as air, water, land, built environment, and sociodemographic factors unique to North Carolina. Senior author Gayathri Devi, a distinguished professor at the Duke Consortium for Inflammatory Breast Cancer, highlights the profound insights gained by cross-referencing EQI data with breast cancer incidence across the state’s diverse 100 counties.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DISPARITIES AND BREASTCANCER INCIDENCE
Counties characterized by diminished environmental quality reveal a stark contrast, displaying approximately 11 more cases of breast cancer per 100,000 residents compared to their environmentally superior counterparts. This disconcerting contrast is particularly evident in early-stage breast cancer instances. Urban counties, especially those grappling with compromised environmental conditions, witness a surge in breastcancer rates, attributed in part to contaminants like pesticides and industrial or agricultural toxins.
DISPARITIES AMONG BLACK WOMEN
This comprehensive study uncovers a troubling trend for black women in North Carolina. Counties boasting a higher percentage of black female residents report elevated rates of late-stage breastcancer diagnoses. The research team posits that disparities in screening mammography may contribute significantly to this alarming discrepancy.
ADDRESSING CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES FOR BETTER HEALTH
Gearhart-Serna passionately emphasizes the urgency of scrutinizing cumulative environmental exposures, particularly in vulnerable communities. This research not only serves as a critical exploration of the intricate link between environmental factors and breastcancer but also lays the groundwork for implementing targeted measures aimed at reducing disease incidence and rectifying disparities in breastcancer outcomes.
