Environmental Factors May Cause Cancer

Aug. 8, 2000
A recent study suggests that\r\nenvironmental factors may be a larger contributor to cancer incidence\r\nthan heredity.

A recent study of twins in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that environmental factors may be a larger contributor to cancer incidence than heredity.

The research team identified 10,803 people who had contracted at least one cancer among 9,512 pairs of twins.

Because genetic makeup of twins is so similar, a particular type of cancer for which genetics plays a critical role would tend to show up in both twins.

If environmental factors are the key determinant, however, the cancer would appear more frequently in only one of the twins.

The study found that genetics were associated with five types of cancer: stomach, colorectal, lung, breast and prostate cancer.

Environmental factors were found to be more important than genetic factors for other illnesses investigated, including non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma, Hodgkin''s disease and cancer of the lip, mouth, throat, thyroid, bone and soft tissue.

While discussion of environmental factors often is focused on exposure to pesticides and other synthetic chemicals, such factors may include tobacco, alcohol, obesity, stress, light, infections and diet.

"Most cancer is caused by your own behavior, not something the government is going to have much effect on," said Dr. Bruce Ames, director of the Center for Environmental Health Sciences at the University of California at Berkeley. "The best way to prevent cancer is to eat a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and to stop smoking."

Research underway at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may provide additional insights into the cause of cancer.

MIT researchers have compiled U.S. mortality data as far back as 1900 that provides information on whether cancer mortality rates have changed.

Because humans'' genetic makeup likely has remained the same over this time, any increase probably results from environmental factors, according to Dr. William Thilly, who heads the project.

The MIT work suggests that lung, kidney and brain cancers, as well as leukemia and lymphoma, have increased in recent decades.

While the increase in deaths from lung cancer has been associated with smoking, the causes for the other illnesses are less clear.

By contrast, the risk of dying from breast cancer, which the public often associates with exposure to synthetic chemicals, has stayed about the same over the past 100 years, according to MIT researchers.

While the environment may play a role in causing breast cancer death, whatever environmental factor is at work has not changed in 100 years in the United States, suggested Thilly.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Navigating ESG Risk in Your Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover the role of ESG in supply chains, from reducing carbon footprints to complying with new regulations and enhancing long-term business value.

Understanding ESG Risks in the Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Understand the critical role of ESG in supply chains, the risks for hiring companies, and the competitive edge suppliers gain by prioritizing sustainability.

Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Risk

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover how to effectively manage subcontractor risk with unified strategies, enhanced oversight, and clear communication for consistent safety and compliance.

Building a Culture of Support: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Sept. 26, 2024
Find best practices for setting up an organizational culture that promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!