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The Importance of Addressing Early-Life Environmental Exposures in Cancer Epidemiology

  • Cancer Epidemiology (MB Terry, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Environmental exposures during early stages of life may be particularly relevant for cancer etiology because of the rapid hormonal and tissue changes that occur during puberty and, in women, through first birth. We review evidence from the past 5 years on environmental exposures during childhood/adolescence through first birth and the risk of breast and other cancers during adulthood.

Recent Findings

The studies of breast cancer (n = 14) reported associations for childhood/adolescent environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), smoking initiation, pesticides, hair dye use, and living on a road with high traffic. Smoking before first childbirth was also associated with increased breast cancer risk. We identified 12 studies on other cancers, with only 1–2 studies per cancer type, with most focused on ETS or active smoking.

Summary

Despite studies suggesting an important role of exposure to environmental factors during early life and cancer risk in adulthood, few studies have been conducted. Future studies could utilize stored biologic samples from relevant periods or complete residential histories for geographically-based exposures.

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Data Availability

This article did not involve the use of raw data.

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Funding

This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, project number ZIAES103332-01

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  1. Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

    Nicole M. Niehoff, Mandy Goldberg & Alexandra J. White

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  1. Nicole M. Niehoff
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  2. Mandy Goldberg
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Correspondence to Alexandra J. White.

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Niehoff, N.M., Goldberg, M. & White, A.J. The Importance of Addressing Early-Life Environmental Exposures in Cancer Epidemiology. Curr Epidemiol Rep 9, 49–65 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-022-00289-6

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