New study shows that exposure to DDT in utero may quadruple  a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer later in life 

DDT may quadruple breast cancer risk

Even though DDT was banned in the 70’s that doesn’t mean we’re off the hook. There are many  ramifications of the use of this known poison  (thanks Monsanto) From Science Mag’s piece here’s the scoop:

A new study published today in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that exposure to the compound in utero may increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The study relies on a unique database of pregnancies in members of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan in Oakland, California, between 1959 and 1967, when DDT was still used heavily on crops. Women whose mothers had elevated levels of DDT in their blood had a nearly fourfold increase in risk of developing breast cancer by age 52, compared with controls who were matched for a variety of factors, including maternal history of breast cancer.

DDT and Breast Cancer

I recently had a debate with a biology major who told me they firmly believe the breast cancer epidemic is genetic (seriously?) Yet they couldn’t explain why, by 2030, 1 in 2 women are expected to get breast cancer.  When your chance becomes 50/50 that seems pretty high to me. I’d take a wild guess it’s not just genetic either. More about this new information about DDT and breast cancer.

Previous evidence for a breast cancer link has been mixed—one study found increased risk in women exposed before age 14, whereas others found no association—but in a lab dish, DDT has been shown to activate the HER2 gene in human breast cells, which is expressed in some breast cancers. Understanding the risks of DDT is critical, the authors note, because the compound is still used to control mosquitoes and prevent the spread of malaria in Africa and Asia.

DDT  for Mosquito and Malaria Control

Yes, you read that correctly. DDT is still being used in Africa and Asia for mosquito and malaria control.  The sad reality  is that  many  fiercely defend companies responsible for making them like Monsanto, but when my relatives have died of breast cancer (after years of suffering) I think we need to ask when will this stop? When will they figure out the new chemicals being used are carcinogens? Oh wait, they already did. That would be Monsanto’s Roundup (glyphosate)  The studies show it probably causes cancer, but millions of pound of it is still being sprayed on our genetically modified foods.  When oh when will it stop?  Buy non GMO, organic foods and buy locally when you can.  The fewer packaged foods you eat the better.  For those women over 40 (I was just born before the ban) I would do self breast checks and read up on preventive measures.

Here’s hoping to a world one day not controlled by chemical companies like Monsanto who have the government in their back pocket.  Here’s to a day the people get a choice in labeling foods and living in a safer world with no DDT, methyl bromide, glyphosate and Genetically Modified Organisms.

XO Erin