Environmental factors of cancer

Environmental factors of cancer


INSERM EXAMINES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENT AND CANCER.

The National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) publishes the results of a literature review on possible links between environment and development of certain cancers. Without giving any definitive answers about a complex subject, however, the study provides a number of lessons.

Sharp increase in cancer in 25 years, but declining mortality

The origin of the study is the observation that in 25 years; the incidence rate of cancer rose 35% in men and 43% among women, reaching about 320,000 new cases in 2005 ( 180,000 males and 140,000 females). This evolution was accompanied, however, during the same period, a continued decline in mortality from cancers, thanks to advances in screening and treatment. This decline in mortality even accelerated over the last five years.
Environmental factors of cancer

The study by Inserm on the issue was commissioned by the French Agency of Health Safety Environment and Labour (Afsset). This review of the literature on the subject is based on a documentary basis of nearly 1800 items available in the first half of 2007. Conducted by two research groups with expertise in the fields of epidemiology, toxicology, clinical, the occupational health and risk quantification, it covers nine types of cancer: lung cancer, mesotheliomas, hematologic neoplasms, brain tumors, breast, ovarian, testicular, prostate and thyroid. These locations correspond to cancers whose incidence has increased over the last twenty years and for which a link with environmental factors may be suspected.

Each of the nine cancers studied the subject of detailed analysis that strives, from the available scientific literature, to answer a series of questions: what are the incidence data and their changes (according to regions) and in other countries? What are the environmental risk factors in the workplace or general identified as carcinogens or debated? What are the available epidemiological data on these factors? ... Other issues are discussed in section, like those of the main mechanisms of toxicity, mode of action of certain pollutants or different ways to quantify exposure to environmental agents.

From the analysis of these issues, the study indicates the best sources of information on exposures and their evolutionary trends in recent decades. An implication is that the link between cancer and environmental factors must still be studied. The study makes finally for each of the cancers studied, a number of recommendations.
»»  read more

Pleura Cancer

Pleura Cancer


FOCUS ON CANCER OF THE PLEURA OR PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
Cancer of the pleura, or pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Difficult to diagnose, it is often confused with lung cancer. It is bound in the great majority of cases with exposure to asbestos.

What are the risk factors for cancer of the pleura?

This cancer affects the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. In 75-80% of cases, cancer of the pleura is associated with exposure to asbestos.
Pleura Cancer

The asbestos fibers migrate into the pleura where they trigger an inflammatory reaction. Eventually, in 20 to 50, years, the attack often stimulates the proliferation of malignant cells.

The sectors most at the possibility of exposure to asbestos and therefore, at risk for cancer of the pleura are plumber's pipe fitters,   Boilermakers Hauliers, the sectors of shipbuilding and processing of asbestos.

Overall, the incidence of mesothelioma increases with age. These are generally those over sixty years who have been detected this type of cancer. Moreover, the diagnosis is not easy and cancer of the pleura is often confused with lung cancer. As for the prognosis of this rare cancer (1,000 cases per annum) but aggressive, it is rather dark, but everything depends on the stage at diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of cancer of the pleura?
  • Difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
  • Chest pain.

These are the two major symptoms that usually lead patients to consult. The multiplication of cancer cells eventually prevents the spread of liquid between the layers of the pleura, where such symptoms.
  • Weight Loss
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Cough
  • Feeling of discomfort
»»  read more