Exposure to endocrine disruptors and risk of breast cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between human exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) and the risk of breast cancer.

Methods: This was a systematic review conducted by searching Cochrane Library, LILACS, Livivo, PubMed, and Science Direct. Observational studies addressing the association between exposure to EDs and breast cancer risk in adults were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment Translation tool.

Results: a total of 37 studies were included. Most studies reported that exposure to organochlorine pesticides, phthalates, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was associated with increased breast cancer risk.

Conclusion: qualitative analysis of observational studies indicates that human exposure to EDs is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this association is causal.

Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Endocrine disruptors; Endocrine system; Endocrine-disrupting chemicals; Environmental exposure; Toxicity.