Can Asbestos Exposure Cause Breast Cancer?

Oncology specialists revealed that asbestos exposure is a significant risk factor for mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer. However, its potential connection to breast cancer is less clear, though some evidence suggests there may be a link. This article explores the relationship between asbestos exposure and breast cancer, considering scientific studies, diagnostic challenges, and implications for those at risk.

How Asbestos Causes Cancer

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral fiber found in rock and soil worldwide. Known for its resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion, asbestos was widely used as an insulator and fire retardant. Common applications included roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper goods, and cement products. Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed—during use, demolition, or maintenance—microscopic fibers can become airborne. Once inhaled or ingested, these fibers can lodge in the body’s organs and tissues, causing inflammation, scarring, and DNA damage over time. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and the body cannot expel these fibers, leading to the potential development of various cancers.

Breast Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors

Breast cancer is the second most common in American women, following skin cancer. The exact cause of most breast cancers remains unknown. Several well-known risk factors exist for breast cancer, including certain genetic predispositions, being female, older age, family history, obesity, never having been pregnant, radiation exposure, hormone therapy for menopause, and alcohol consumption. Several oncology specialists revealed that there is also some evidence that asbestos exposure may be a contributing factor.

Evidence Linking Asbestos to Breast Cancer

The evidence linking asbestos exposure to breast cancer is still emerging and has shown mixed results. Some studies suggest a potential association, while others do not find a significant link. One reason for this inconsistency could be the small number of women with occupational asbestos exposure, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

Australian Study: A 2009 Australian study reviewed the potential association between exposure to blue asbestos and cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, and breast. The study involved nearly 3,000 women from Wittenoom, a town home to a large asbestos company until 1966. The researchers found a slight increase in cervical and ovarian cancers among former factory workers and town residents compared to the general population. However, breast cancer rates remained consistent with those of the general population.

British Study: A British study monitoring cancer diagnoses in female asbestos factory workers in their oncology cancer center suggested a possible link between occupational asbestos exposure and elevated breast cancer rates. The study found a slightly higher number of breast cancer diagnoses among women who experienced significant exposure over two or more years. Specifically, 12 participants passed away from breast cancer, exceeding the expected 10.48 deaths.

Second British Study: Another British study titled “Prevalence of Asbestos Bodies in a Necropsy Series in East London” examined the lungs of 178 female participants for asbestos fibers. The study found asbestos in 30% of the women, with the majority of these fibers present in those diagnosed with breast cancer. Of the 82 women with breast cancer, 38 had asbestos in their lungs. The researchers hypothesized that asbestos fibers might reach breast tissue through retrograde lymphatic flow from the lungs to the chest wall or by piercing the lungs and passing through the chest wall muscles.

Finnish Study: This 1999 study was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine which reported the breast cancer risk in certain occupations. The study found that women occupationally exposed to medium or high levels of asbestos were 1.3 times more likely to develop postmenopausal breast cancer than the general population. This elevated risk was also observed in women exposed to human-made vitreous fibers and silica dust.

IARC’s Conclusion: In a 2011 study, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated over 900 agents and determined that no workplace agents, including asbestos, were conclusively associated with breast cancer. The only exception was night shift work, likely linked to hormonal or immune function disruption.

Final Thoughts

To learn more about the link between asbestos and breast cancer, connect with our oncology cancer center.

While the evidence linking asbestos exposure to breast cancer is not conclusive, it raises important considerations for those with a history of asbestos exposure. While those exposed to asbestos only once or twice may not need to be overly concerned, those with prolonged or high-dose exposure should consider regular screenings and monitoring to detect potential health issues early.

At Sierra Hematology & Oncology, we offer comprehensive screening programs for individuals at elevated risk of breast cancer.