Factors Affecting the Rate of Breast Cancer; Role of Heavy Metals

Abstract

Breast cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of breast cells. It is more common in women as compared tothat in men. The breast cancer may be interlinked with the drinking of alcohol, smoking, sex, hormonal therapy, obesity,family history and age. Various epidemiologic studies suggest the role of metals e.g., nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic(As),selenium (Se)and cadmium (Cd)as potential risk factors in breast cancer. Humans are exposed to these metals bymeans of drinking water, food and air. The oxidative theory suspects that the complexes formed from these metals invivo, near the location of DNA, catalyze the redox reactions which results in oxidation of DNA. The metals like arsenic(As), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr)which exist in trace amount are considered ascarcinogens for organisms by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). The carcinogenicity of these metalsmainly depends upon their chemical structure and oxidation states.