The impact of endocrine disrupting compounds and carcinogens in wastewater: Implications for breast cancer

The incidence of breast cancer is often associated with geographic variation which indicates that a person's surrounding environment can be an important etiological factor in cancer development. Envi-ronmental risk factors can include exposure to sewage-or wastewater, which consist of a complex mixture of pathogens, mutagens and carcinogens. Wastewater contains primarily carbonaceous, nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds, however it can also contain trace amounts of chemical pol-lutants including toxic metal cations, hydrocarbons and pesticides. More importantly, the contamination of drinking water by wastewater is a potential source of exposure to mammary carcinogens and endo-crine disrupting compounds. Organic solvents and other pollutants often found in wastewater have been detected in various tissues, including breast and adipose tissues. Furthermore, these pollutants such as phenolic compounds in some detergents and plastics, as well as parabens and pesticides can mimic estrogen. High estrogen levels are a well-established risk factor for estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Therefore, exposure to wastewater is a risk factor for the initiation, progression and metastasis of breast cancer. Carcinogens present in wastewater can promote tumourigenesis through various mech-anisms, including the formation of DNA adducts, gene mutations and oxidative stress. Lastly, the pres-ence of endocrine disrupting compounds in wastewater can have negative implications for ER-positive breast cancers, where these molecules can activate ERa to promote cell proliferation, survival and metastasis. As such, strategies should be implemented to limit exposure, such as providing funding into treatment technologies and implementation of regulations that limit the production and use of these potentially harmful chemicals. (c) 2023 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

The incidence of breast cancer is associated with geographic variation, suggesting that the surrounding environment plays a crucial role in cancer development. Exposure to wastewater, which contains pathogens, mutagens, and carcinogens, is an environmental risk factor for breast cancer. Wastewater can also contain trace amounts of chemical pollutants, including toxic metals and pesticides, that can mimic estrogen and increase the risk of estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Strategies should be implemented to limit exposure and regulate the production and use of harmful chemicals.