Serpentinites &amp; the High Incidence of Breast Cancer in Marin
Creators: name: University Of California Office Of The President
Publisher: name: University of California Office of the President
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/00dmfq477
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2024

description: [This abstract describes an intended research project. Beginning, July 1, 2004, the team will utilize a small planning grant to gather necessary preliminary data, and strengthen the research plan and the scientific and community collaborations, in order to submit a CRC Pilot application in early Spring, 2005. Funding for this research depends on the success of that competitive application.]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Research on the incidence of breast cancer in Marin has primarily focused on traditional risk factors and lifestyle behaviors. Relatively little research has examined the role environmental factors may play in Marin’s high breast cancer rates. MBCW has sponsored several town hall discussions and completed three research studies. Community members were given opportunities to share local knowledge about potential environmental factors. One frequently mentioned factor was the high prevalence of serpentinite in the county. (Serpentine is a group of common rock-forming hydrous magnesium iron silicate minerals. Rock composed primarily of these minerals is called serpentinite.) Bringing together community members, geologic experts, epidemiologists and risk communication specialists, this pilot study addresses the community’s concern whether the increased incidence of breast cancer is due in part to exposure to areas with serpentine rocks, soils formed from these rocks and related water sources.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 In this study, we hypothesize that the increased incidence of breast cancer in Marin County is due in part to exposures to certain cancer causing trace elements (nickel, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, cobalt, cadmium, mercury and vanadium) found in serpentinites, soils formed from these rocks, and in related water sources. The goal of this pilot project is not to determine whether serpentinites cause the high incidence of breast cancer in Marin County, but to determine whether certain cancer causing elements from these rocks and soils are potential environmental factors that should be considered in future ecologic and/or epidemiology studies of breast cancer in Marin.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Field and laboratory studies facilitated by community involvement provide the foundation for evaluating cancer-causing elements from serpentinites and their potential association with breast cancer in Marin County. Academic and community investigators will 1) collect rock, soil, water and household dust samples for mineral/chemical analysis; 2) map geological and chemical data into geographical information system (GIS) database to identify potential pathways for exposure; 3) complete literature review; 4) obtain databases with Marin -specific, individual level breast cancer risk factor data and residency information; 5) collaborate with an epidemiologist experienced in research on environmental risk factors and breast cancer: 6) collaborate with an environmental risk communication specialist on how the results of the pilot study can best be communicated; and 7) prepare a comprehensive CRC Research Award proposal. A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 This project encompasses a multi-disciplinary approach bringing together the broad range of fields in geology, animal and human health, epidemiology and advocacy, to address an unexplored area of study in breast cancer and the environment. While a great deal is known about the natural environment, it’s elements and chemistry, an understanding of the geographic distribution and the impact of these elements on human health is needed. This emerging field of medical geology explores the “geo-environment” and brings attention to geologic factors and the health and well being of women at risk for breast cancer. This study will identify new pathways of exposure for these natural components and develop strategies to intervene in these pathways. It addresses the goals of identifying new or not yet established environmental risk factors for breast cancer.