April 25, 2010 – The proof that cancer has close links with our way of life and our living environment is well established, says Jack Siemiatycki, Professor of the Guzzo-SRC Chair in Environment and Cancer at the University from Montreal. He was one of the guests to speak at the National Conference to End Cancer1.
Jack Siemiatycki
Despite this evidence, the causes that are currently known to us are tiny compared to those, very numerous, for which we have little or no data, he adds. This category includes: nearly 10,000 polluting products that contaminate water and air, leaks of toxic materials from landfills, pesticides, nanoparticles, breast prostheses, several everyday consumer products, psychological stress, sleep, light pollution, etc. “And this list is partial”, specifies the researcher.
Certain factors are no longer in doubt. This is the case with smoking, the evidence of which is scientifically irrefutable. Alcohol, physical inactivity, obesity, female reproductive history (lactation, number of children) and radon are also the subject of solid scientific evidence.
About 40 work-related toxic substances have also been recognized as carcinogenic. Asbestos, chromium, vinyl chloride, silica, benzene, dioxin, formaldehyde and aromatic amines are some of them. Although they are mainly found in specific workplaces, Jack Siemiatycki says that these substances are of concern to the general population since they are spread in the environment.
Carcinogenic drugs and treatments
Likewise, around ten microbiological agents (HPV, HIV, HBV, H. pylori) and around twenty drugs, some of which against cancer as well as hormonal treatments, are also recognized as carcinogenic. “Even if, individually, it seems that these elements don’t do much damage, together they still represent a good number of cases. This is also true for red meat, solar radiation, X-rays and ionizing radiation ”, underlines the researcher.
Some environmental factors and lifestyle habits are currently considered to be probably carcinogenic. This is the case of car exhaust smoke, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, smoke caused by burning wood or charcoal, air pollution in cities and the consumption of certain food components. .
“If we want to act in terms of prevention, we have to change our approach. Currently, barely 1% of the total cancer budget goes to root cause research. However, many things need to be studied or confirmed. We will remain in this uncertainty if nothing changes, ”warns Jack Siemiatycki.
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The number of recognized carcinogens * according to their source of exposure |
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Working environment |
44 substances recognized as carcinogenic |
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Microbiological agents |
11, including hepatitis B, HIV, HPV |
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Medications |
23, including some anticancer drugs, hormones, etc. |
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Radiation |
10, including ionizing rays, x-rays, ultraviolet |
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Way of life |
8, including smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity |
* According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), one of the agencies of the World Health Organization (WHO)
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See our file Cancer prevention finally explained. |
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Claudia Morissette – HealthPassport.net
1. The event took place on April 22 and 23, 2010, at the Marriot Château Champlain in Montreal. For more information: www.conferencecancer.com.
