A study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, suggests that an increase in temperature is probably a risk factor for breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
Thanks to global warming, we are now facing adverse climatic conditions across the globe. But can climate change be a reason for the rising prevalence of cancer among women?
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, suggests that an increase in temperature is probably a risk factor for breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
The researchers analysed prevalence and deaths due to cancer with temperatures between 1998 and 2019. The findings revealed a ‘small, but statistically significant’ rise in prevalence and death rates of breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.
Experts observed that death rates increased by 171-332 per one lakh people for each degree of temperature rise, with the biggest rise in ovarian cancer cases and the smallest in cervical cancer.
“As temperatures rise, cancer mortality among women also rises, particularly for ovarian and breast cancers. Although the increases per degree of temperature rise are modest, their cumulative public health impact is substantial,” said first author Wafa Abuelkheir Mataria of The American University in Cairo.
The increase in cancer cases driven by climate change could be linked to rising temperatures, compromised food and water security, and poor air quality. Hence, increasing the risk of disease and death worldwide.
People are more potentially exposed to the risk factors and are less likely to receive better treatment or prompt diagnosis and women are especially physiologically vulnerable, the researchers said.
The researchers also think that the rise in cancer cases could reflect the improvements in cancer screening. However, an improved screening would be expected to result in fewer deaths, as early-stage cancer is easier to treat. But both death rates and prevalence rose, suggesting that the driving factor is exposure to risk factors.