Open Access

Impact of heavy metals on breast cancer (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Ahmad S. Ali
    • Manar E. Nazar
    • Rebaz M. Mustafa
    • Safin Hussein
    • Karzan Qurbani
    • Sirwan Khalid Ahmed
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: December 14, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2023.219
  • Article Number: 4
  • Copyright : © Ali et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrollable proliferation and dissemination of abnormal cells in the mammary glands. It is a significant cause of mortality among women, with approximately one in eight females experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Multiple factors contribute to an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, encompassing sex, lifestyle choices, age, hormone usage, familial predisposition and exposure to environmental pollutants. Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of various components of the Earth's atmosphere, biology and physical systems. Heavy metal pollutants include copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). Exposure to toxic heavy metals through inhalation, skin contact and ingestion poses significant risks to human health and organ function, including the breasts. Essential heavy metals, such as Cu, Zn, cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe), play crucial roles in various biochemical and physiological processes within organisms. Various techniques have been employed to analyze heavy metals, including ultraviolet‑visible spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma, flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy and proton‑induced X‑ray emission. Recent studies have suggested an association between variations in heavy metal metabolism and the occurrence and progression of breast cancer in human populations. Some studies have found increased levels of Cu and Cd and decreased Zn and Mn concentrations in patients with breast cancer compared to individuals without breast cancer. The present review aimed to explore the link between heavy metal exposure and breast cancer, providing insight into its potential effects on breast health and the significance of this association. Overall, heavy metals directly affect human health, particularly as regards breast cancer.
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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Ali AS, Nazar ME, Mustafa RM, Hussein S, Qurbani K and Ahmed SK: Impact of heavy metals on breast cancer (Review). World Acad Sci J 6: 4, 2024.
APA
Ali, A.S., Nazar, M.E., Mustafa, R.M., Hussein, S., Qurbani, K., & Ahmed, S.K. (2024). Impact of heavy metals on breast cancer (Review). World Academy of Sciences Journal, 6, 4. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2023.219
MLA
Ali, A. S., Nazar, M. E., Mustafa, R. M., Hussein, S., Qurbani, K., Ahmed, S. K."Impact of heavy metals on breast cancer (Review)". World Academy of Sciences Journal 6.1 (2024): 4.
Chicago
Ali, A. S., Nazar, M. E., Mustafa, R. M., Hussein, S., Qurbani, K., Ahmed, S. K."Impact of heavy metals on breast cancer (Review)". World Academy of Sciences Journal 6, no. 1 (2024): 4. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2023.219