Breast cancer is one of the most popular among women all over the world. Although genetics play a role in a small percentage of cases-only 5-10%-most diagnoses seem to be influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle related. Now a new scientific study points the finger at the phthalates, chemicals present in many products and capable of interfering with the endocrine system and potentially promote the development of the tumor.
What are phthalates and how they act
The phthalates are plasticizing, that is, chemical compounds that make the materials more flexible and resistant. They are found in a wide range of products: from building materials and toys to food packaging and medical products. Some, such as the Dehp, are with high molecular weight and present above all in rigid plastic materials, while others, with low molecular weight, are found in paints, sealing and coatings.
In cosmetics and personal care products, phthalates are obviously not used as plasticmen, but as solvents or vehicles for fragrances. In practice, they serve to make the fragrances more stable and to make them spread more uniformly on the skin or in hair products. This explains why many “fragrant” products contain phthalates.
The problem of these substances is that they are not chemically linked to the materials in which they are inserted, therefore they can easily migrate into the environment and in our body, through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact, and can also reach the fetus during intrauterine development.
Phthalates and breast cancer: what the study says
A new study, published on Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safetyhas collected and analyzed the evidence available on the effect of the phthalates on breast cancergnesses, integrating experimental data in the laboratory and epidemiological studies on women. The research has not conducted new clinical experiments, but has synthesized the results of previous studies to understand how exposure to phthalates can influence the onset, progression and metastase of breast cancer.
The main results indicate that phthalates can activate key cellular paths, such as Pi3k/Akt/Mtor and Creb, responsible for growth, proliferation and survival of cells. Exposure to these compounds was connected to:
But everything is not yet: exposure to phthalates could also increase the resistance to chemotherapy drugs, through alterations of the metabolism of drugs and cellular signaling.
On the epidemiological side, the revision indicates higher levels of phthalates in the blood of women with breast cancer than healthy women, suggesting a connection between exposure and cancer risk. Being an organ sensitive to the endocrine system, the breast is particularly vulnerable to the effects of the phthalates, which act as xenoestrogen, altering the report of estrogen receptors.
It should be noted, however, that the study does not demonstrate direct causality between exposure to phthalates and developing cancer development, but shows significant associations and possible biological mechanisms. The question is certainly to be deepened and now further research will have to confirm these results.
Where the phthalates are found in common products products
Women are particularly exposed to phthalates through cosmetic products and for personal care, above all:
How to recognize them on the label? Look for names such as Diethyl Phthalate (DE), Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Buttyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP) and keep in mind that “perfumed” products are more likely to contain them.
How to reduce exposure
A few simple advice can help us reduce exposure to these substances:
