Scientific Evidence on Breast Cancer
Research shows that certain environmental chemicals may increase breast cancer risk by acting as carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormone systems. These chemicals, found in air, water, food, cosmetics, cleaning products, food packaging, and industrial materials, can affect breast tissue through estrogenic activity, DNA damage, inflammation, and disrupted mammary gland development. Understanding these connections is essential for prevention and policy efforts to reduce harmful daily exposures. Understanding these connections is essential for prevention and policy efforts to reduce harmful daily exposures.Beta Version
Our experts have screened over 5,000 scientific studies to bring you the most relevant findings about breast cancer and environmental exposures over the past 8 years (see previous report here). Use the search bar or menus below to find studies. See our list of keywords to guide your search. Learn more about this project here.
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Main themes
Key concepts used to explore complex data on chemical exposure and breast cancer.
Study types
The different study designs used to understand breast cancer and environmental exposures.
How we are exposed
The chemicals we are exposed to through air, water, food, and products.
Social determinants
The non-medical factors that influence a person’s health and well-being.
“The reality is that we are not exposed to one environmental toxicant at a time but rather to mixtures of agents which may interact in unanticipated ways to increase our risk for developing breast cancer.”
– Janet Gray, PhD; Professor Emerita of Psychology/Neuroscience and the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at Vassar College; Co-author of State of the Evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Scientific Evidence Database:
Beauty and personal care products:
Our home:
Our environment:
Our workplace:
Other FAQs:
Are European breast cancer rates lower than US rates?
How can I reduce my exposure to potentially harmful chemicals?
What products should I avoid to lower my risk?
Are “natural” or “organic” products safer?
Can detoxing help reduce breast cancer risk?
How strong is the evidence linking chemicals to breast cancer?
Why are results from different studies sometimes conflicting?
What’s the difference between correlation and causation in these studies?
Do you have a question or comment about this project? Please submit it to science@bcpp.org.