• The Link Between Heavy Metal Exposure and Breast Cancer
  • Mohammad Javad Askari,1 Mansoura Azadeh,2,*
    1. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran
    2. zist fanavari novin biotechnology institute


  • Introduction: Breast cancer poses a profound challenge to women's health globally. While we often attribute cancer risk to genetic and lifestyle factors, environmental influences are increasingly recognized as key contributing factors. Heavy metals in our surroundings can disrupt hormonal functions, create oxidative stress, and interfere with cell processes, all of which can contribute to cancer development. This review will dive into existing studies to better understand the relationship between heavy metal exposure and breast cancer risk.
  • Methods: To gather relevant data for this review, we meticulously searched scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using terms like "heavy metals," "breast cancer," "cadmium," "lead," and "arsenic." We focused on studies published from 2010 to 2024, including: 1. Observational Studies: These look at real-world data correlating heavy metal exposure with breast cancer cases. 2. Mechanistic Studies: Research examining how these metals affect our cells and bodies at a molecular level. 3. Population Studies: Studies assessing the environmental presence of these metals and their relation to breast cancer rates. We extracted vital information from these studies, considering different types of research, sample sizes, exposure assessment approaches, and key findings.
  • Results: Our analysis shines a light on the concerning associations between heavy metal exposure and breast cancer risk: 1. Cadmium: Multiple studies highlight a significant correlation between cadmium exposure and heightened breast cancer risk. Women consuming more cadmium in their diet may face a 21% increased risk compared to those with lower exposure. 2. Lead: Although the evidence connecting lead directly to breast cancer isn't as strong, higher blood lead levels have been linked with hormonal changes that could elevate breast cancer risk. 3. Arsenic: Several studies reveal that drinking water contaminated with arsenic is associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer, especially in areas with high pollution levels. 4. Mechanisms at Play: Heavy metals can cause oxidative stress, alter hormonal balances, and induce changes in gene expression that drive cancer. Cadmium, in particular, mimics estrogen and may promote cell growth in breast tissue, leading to a greater risk of cancer.
  • Conclusion: The evidence paints a troubling picture of the connection between heavy metal exposure and the development of breast cancer. Cadmium stands out as a significant risk factor, while lead and arsenic also raise concerns. Understanding the mechanisms through which these metals contribute to cancer is essential for developing strategies to mitigate risk. Public health initiatives aimed at reducing exposure to these heavy metals could play a critical role in decreasing breast cancer rates. Continued research and monitoring are crucial to deepen our knowledge of environmental factors influencing breast cancer and to enhance the health and well-being of women everywhere.
  • Keywords: Heavy Metals,Breast Cancer,Cadmium,Environmental Exposure,Carcinogenesis,Oxidative Stress