This position statement is an attempt to inform our members, supporters and partners of the facts and of the CBCN's position and recommendations. Meanwhile, chemical production and consumption in industrial countries has increased dramatically and has continued unabated. Research has confirmed the possibility of a link between synthetic chemicals in the environment, which accumulate over time in body reservoirs such as the fatty tissue of the breast, and breast cancer. Natural estrogens are thought to be a major factor in breast cancer risk. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce a potent form of estrogen called estradiol.
Recent research indicates that a link between xenoestrogens and breast cancer appears to exist.
A possible explanation is that the second study included Asian women, whose rate of breast cancer is typically lower than that of Caucasian women. In a similar 1993 study, researchers in Qu bec looked at tissue from 41 women who had a breast mass removed for biopsy. Generally, the literature has shown effects in wildlife populations and animal experiments have shown that environmental contaminants have an effect when given at high doses. The CBCN supports a preventative approach to eradicating breast cancer, and believes that enough evidence exists to raise a concern and to make this a priority issue for investigation and evidence-based regulatory action. Colborn, T. Our Stolen Future.