Environmental Oncology

This book covers the wide range of malignant illness and where they intersect with environmental factors. Chapters explore the importance of acknowledging and dealing with the societal implications of anthropogenic climate change, a wider appreciation of the many ways that human industry and activity is changing the environment and contributing to human disease is imperative. In addition to how particular exposures relate to certain malignancies, the book explores historical events that led to the development of cancers in order to help policy makers and patient advocates understand where we have been when considering future initiatives. It also discusses the disparities involved in environmental toxin exposure and look at these cancers in light of the need to reduce cancer disparities. Given the ongoing ecological crisis from climate change and expanding human population and industrialization, this book examines pollution and ecological change to impacts and where human disease can be prevented.

An examination of the controversies surrounding environmental cancer. The authors draw on surveys by cancer researchers and environmental activists to reveal differences between the two groups' viewpoints. They examine these opposing views and document how they are reflected in the media.

- Controversial topic because many of the proposed solutions or policies may damage the economy in the short term in order to reap health benefits which will only become apparent several decades in the future - Each chapter is written by experts in the field throughout the world

The Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine wanted to address the link between environmental factors and the development of cancer in light of recent advances in genomics. They asked what research tools are needed, how new scientific information can be applied in a timely manner to reduce the burden of cancer, and how this can be flexible enough to treat the individual.

The Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine wanted to address the link between environmental factors and the development of cancer in light of recent advances in genomics. They asked what research tools are needed, how new scientific information can be applied in a timely manner to reduce the burden of cancer, and how this can be flexible enough to treat the individual.

Breast cancer remains the most common invasive cancer among women. The primary patients of breast cancer are adult women who are approaching or have reached menopause; 90 percent of new cases in U.S. women in 2009 were diagnosed at age 45 or older. Growing knowledge of the complexity of breast cancer stimulated a transition in breast cancer research toward elucidating how external factors may influence the etiology of breast cancer. Breast Cancer and the Environment reviews the current evidence on a selection of environmental risk factors for breast cancer, considers gene-environment interactions in breast cancer, and explores evidence-based actions that might reduce the risk of breast cancer. The book also recommends further integrative research into the elements of the biology of breast development and carcinogenesis, including the influence of exposure to a variety of environmental factors during potential windows of susceptibility during the full life course, potential interventions to reduce risk, and better tools for assessing the carcinogenicity of environmental factors. For a limited set of risk factors, evidence suggests that action can be taken in ways that may reduce risk for breast cancer for many women: avoiding unnecessary medical radiation throughout life, avoiding the use of some forms of postmenopausal hormone therapy, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, and minimizing weight gain. Breast Cancer and the Environment sets a direction and a focus for future research efforts. The book will be of special interest to medical researchers, patient advocacy groups, and public health professionals.

While a number of books have looked at the intersection between human health in general and other topics, such as climate change or diet, this book focuses specifically on cancer as it impacts and is impacted by social justice issues. The massive explosion of research knowledge of cancer immunology and genomics is holding out great promise of therapeutic advances, yet other human actions—climate change, pollution, business decisions, advertising – are fostering health inequalities as well as increasing risks. Those involved in cancer care and research are in a unique position to let their experiences and knowledge inform the public, yet very often have not taken strong public roles when it comes to discussing issues surrounding tobacco, climate change and health risks, financial toxicity of treatments, and diet choices. Written by a multidisciplinary team of authors and for medical oncologists, cancer researchers, occupational health workers, and related medical students, residents, and fellows, this book encourages oncologists to address public health care and the societal issues associated with cancer risk. This volume discusses the overarching theme of environmental justice and oncology, focuses on business and cancer (such as clinical trials, drug development and profits, and global disparities), as well as animals and cancer.