In this study, researchers examined whether air pollution, measured as particulate matter, affects survival after diagnosis with breast cancer.

After diagnosis with cancer, many factors can affect survival. Some factors, such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, are avoidable. Air pollution, however, is difficult to avoid and has been linked to reduced survival in several types of cancers. The affects of air pollution on the survival of breast cancer patients is still unknown. The level of air pollution in the environment is measured as the amount of particulate matter (PM) in the air.

Researchers compared 225,128 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1999 and 2009. All women were residing in California, USA. The monthly average of PM in different counties of the state was compared to patient survival.

Results showed that patients living in counties with high levels of PM had an increased risk of early mortality. The risk of early mortality was increased by 33% for patients living in counties with increased pollution levels of large particles, and increased by 40% for patients living in counties with increased pollution levels of small particles. These results remained significant even after researchers accounted for social and economic differences between counties. Air pollution was related to increased risk of early mortality especially in early-stage cancer patients, and to a lesser degree in advanced-stage cancer patients.

This study concluded that air pollution is associated with early mortality among women diagnosed with breast cancer.

PM levels, as well as social and economic differences, were analyzed as the county average. Therefore, the authors could not control for individual differences in social or economic status, as well as differences in air quality within each county.

Consult with your physician on how to monitor air pollution and how to protect yourself from dangerous exposure.

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