Breast Cancer and the Environment

Breast Cancer and the Environment

Breast Cancer and our Environment

How are they related?

Soc 120 Introduction to Ethics and Social Responsibility

August 15, 2010







Breast cancer is a devastating fact of live for many families. Even with new treatments the death rate is still significantly high. There is a growing debate on what researchers should be looking for in the causes of breast cancer. Many activist groups are now saying that the environment and the toxins that exist in it are the probable cause for breast cancer. Throughout this paper I will be discussing the probable causes pertaining to breast cancer and how our environment is related to this deadly disease. In my research I will hope to gain important information on this disease and learn some preventive actions I can incorporate in my daily lifestyles to avoid this horrendous disease.
Breast Cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women in the U.S.. It is a tumor that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body.
Most people believe that breast cancer is something that is passed down through genetics. But with extensive research it has been proven that breast cancer is not only hereditary but it can be a disease that is accuired by the environment that we live in. The environment is the most powerful force in breast carcinagenesis, (which is the process in which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.) Estrogen stimulates breast cell growth. It is a fact that excess amounts of estrogen contribute to breast cancer risks. Some chemicals such as pesticide dieldrin, organochlorines, and certain plastic additives act like estrogen in our body. Also the production and use of harmful chemicals and ionizing radiation is a proven cause of breast cancer. Here are a few chemicals linked to breast cancer, chemicals in the air and water, chemicals in food, chemicals in plastic,...

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