Atmospheric fine particulate matter and breast cancer mortality: a population-based cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesAtmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has multiple adverse effects on human health. Global atmospheric levels of PM2.5 increased by 0.55 μg/m3/year (2.1%/year) from 1998 through 2012. There is evidence of a causal relationship between atmospheric PM2.5 and breast cancer (BC) incidence, but few studies have investigated BC mortality and atmospheric PM2.5. We investigated BC mortality in relation to atmospheric PM2.5 levels among patients living in Varese Province, northern Italy.MethodsWe selected female BC cases, archived in the local population-based cancer registry, diagnosed at age 50–69 years, between 2003 and 2009. The geographic coordinates of each woman's place of residence were identified, and individual PM2.5 exposures were assessed from satellite data. Grade, stage, age at diagnosis, period of diagnosis and participation in BC screening were potential confounders. Kaplan-Meir and Nelson-Aalen methods were used to test for mortality differences in relation to PM2.5 quartiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling estimated HRs and 95% CIs of BC death in relation to PM2.5 exposure.ResultsOf 2021 BC cases, 325 died during follow-up to 31 December 2013, 246 for BC. Risk of BC death was significantly higher for all three upper quartiles of PM2.5 exposure compared to the lowest, with HRs of death: 1.82 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.89), 1.73 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.67) and 1.72 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.75).ConclusionsOur study indicates that the risk of BC mortality increases with PM2.5 exposure. Although additional research is required to confirm these findings, they are further evidence that PM2.5 exposure is harmful and indicate an urgent need to improve global air quality.

Fine particulate matter PM2.5 generated by building demolition increases the malignancy of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

“…Moreover, the significantly elevated concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium, copper, lead, zinc and chromium were found in the water-extracted PM 2.5 during building demolition. Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 in Italy has been associated with increased risk of death due to breast cancer (Tagliabue et al, 2016). Interestingly, the findings herein are consistent with the previous epidemiological observations of Italian women who live near incinerators, who have been found to have an elevated risk of breast cancer mortality.…”

A case-crossover study to investigate the effects of atmospheric particulate matter concentrations, season and air temperature on accident and emergency presentations for cardiovascular events

“…In fact CVD is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors mainly because of treatment-induced cardio toxicity [32]. PM 10 also influences cardiovascular mortality [7,25] and cancer prognosis [34]. We found that ORs for A&E presentations for CVE were higher for cancer patients than other categories, highlighting cancer patient susceptibility to high PM 10 .…”

The Role of Air Pollution by the Particulate Matter in Pathogenesis of the Chronic Noninfectious Diseases

“…При долговременном действии РМ2,5 в зависимости от размера и химического состава могут возникать злокачественные новообразова-ния различной локализации [39][40][41].…”