Cancer Group Focuses on Environmental Factors
American Cancer Society Wants More Study Into Environmental Pollutants That May Cause Cancer
By Caroline Wilbert
WebMD Health News
Reviewed By
Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 28, 2009 -- The American Cancer Society is increasing its focus on
environmental factors that may contribute to cancer, according to a new report
the organization has issued. The report calls for new strategies to more
effectively and efficiently screen the chemicals to which the public is
exposed.
This research is just one part of ACS's comprehensive prevention program,
which also includes activities related to tobacco use, nutrition, obesity and
inactivity, excessive sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and certain chronic
infections.
“Exposure levels to environmental pollution to the general public are
typically far lower than the levels associated with the proven cancer risks
shown in occupational or other settings,” Elizabeth T.H. Fontham, national
volunteer president of the American Cancer Society and co-chair of the
committee, said in a written statement. “Nevertheless, these low-level
exposures do cause us concern because of the multiplicity of substances, the
fact that many exposures are out of the public's control, and the potential
that even low-level exposures contribute to the cancer burden when large
numbers of people are exposed.”
In the report, the authors acknowledge that work in this arena is difficult
because of limited resources and scientific complexity.
Goals, as outlined in the report, include:
- New strategies for toxicity testing
- For occupational and community exposures to meet regulatory standards
- Funding for research to identify and reduce carcinogenic hazards
- Funding for the agencies that set and enforce environmental standards
- A scientific approach at the agencies that set and enforce standards
- Reduction of exposure to carcinogens, whenever feasible
- Good communication with the public, acknowledging public concern, and
providing credible information
SOURCES: Fontham, E., Cancer Journal, 2009, vol 59.
News release, American Cancer Society.
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