Cancer & Environmental Factors
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Is the world around us harming us? Is the air we breathe safe? Are environmental factors leading to a rise in cancer diagnoses? Environmental factors play a significant role in increasing the risk of cancer, and one of the most notable examples is the exposure to toxins following the 9/11 attacks.
Many responders and people living near Ground Zero were exposed to hazardous substances like asbestos, benzene, and particulate matter, all of which are known carcinogens (Jones, 2022). These substances can cause DNA damage, leading to uncontrolled cell division, a hallmark of cancer. In fact, studies have shown that responders to the 9/11 disaster have a significantly higher incidence of various cancers, including lung and colorectal cancer, due to their exposure to these toxins (Selby, 2022).
Understanding the environmental causes of cancer, such as exposure to these toxic substances, is crucial for prevention and early detection. By recognizing the risks posed by certain chemicals and environments, we can implement safety measures to limit exposure, like wearing protective gear and improving air quality in high-risk areas. Additionally, awareness of these risks can lead to more proactive screening and early detection efforts, especially for those who were exposed, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Preventing cancer due to environmental factors requires both reducing exposure to harmful substances and educating people on the risks. With continued research into the link between environmental toxins and cancer, we can enhance prevention programs and develop more effective public health strategies (National Cancer Institute, 2022). This knowledge is key in protecting not only those at immediate risk, like 9/11 responders, but also the broader population from similar environmental hazards.
Will you help raise the alarm on what these environmental factors are doing to us? Be a part of the change you seek to see.
References:
Belk, C. M., & Maier, V. B. (2019). Biology: Science for Life (6th ed.). Pearson.
Jones, C. (2022, September 9). The Toll of Heroism: Increased Cancer Incidence Among 9/11 Responders. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). https://www.aacr.org/blog/2022/09/09/the-toll-of-heroism-increased-cancer-incidence-among-9-11-responders/
National Cancer Institute. (2022). Cancer-Causing Substances. National Cancer Institute; Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances
Selby, K. (2022, October 17). 20 Years Later: The Lingering Health Effects of 9/11. Mesothelioma Center - Vital Services for Cancer Patients & Families. https://www.asbestos.com/featured-stories/9-11-lingering-health-effects/
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