Women living in neighborhoods with heavy vehicle emissions and lower air quality face higher odds of developing breast cancer. A groundbreaking analysis, using data from hundreds of thousands of women in the United States, compares breast cancer cases against environmental pollution trends over many years.
Experts combined information from five long-running breast cancer research projects. They followed individuals as they moved homes, overlaying each person’s location with government air quality records from thousands of monitoring stations. The approach allowed researchers to spot patterns between where people lived, how much pollution they experienced, and their cancer diagnoses even a decade later.
Nitrogen Dioxide and Increased Cancer Rates
The study found that for every 10-parts-per-billion increase in nitrogen dioxide—a common traffic emission—breast cancer rates rose by three percent among women. Nitrogen dioxide serves as a proxy for street pollution, making this finding especially relevant for communities near major roads or urban centers.
Particulate Matter Linked to Deadlier Cancers
A separate finding revealed that higher concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were associated with more cases of hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. These cancers lack estrogen and progesterone receptors. They are often tougher to treat and carry a higher mortality risk for affected women.
Clean Air Laws and Policy Recommendations
The average nitrogen dioxide levels observed fell below current Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, yet the health risk still increased.
Policymakers are urged to strengthen air quality regulations. They should reduce car traffic and spur investment in cleaner transportation alternatives. These actions are needed not just for climate goals but also for public health protection.
Breast Cancer: Second Biggest Cancer Threat
Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States, after lung cancer.
The national breast cancer rate has generally risen over the past forty years. About one in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This makes continued research and prevention vital.
National Collaboration Drives Research
The project involved collaboration among institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Harvard University, and major public health agencies. This extensive partnership underscores the importance of finding solutions to pressing health challenges tied to environmental factors.
Raising Awareness and Supporting Survivors
Oregon State University’s College of Health is hosting a free online panel. The panel will discuss breast cancer screening, prevention, and survivorship. It brings together experts and advocates to guide those seeking accurate information and mentoring after a diagnosis.
