Contribution of the environment to cancer incidence: an epidemiologic exercise
Wynder, E.L.; Gori, G.B.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute 58(4): 825-832
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-8874 PMID: 321795 Document Number: 123335
Environmental carcinogens, established or suspected, may be categorized as being related to personal lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, sunlight, occupational exposure and nutritional imbalances) or general environmental factors (air and water pollution, drugs and food additives as contaminants). Some are derived through individual choices; others are imposed by society. The data presented support the basic assumption that cancer is a disease produced by environmental factors. Where disputes may arise is in the relative importance of the general environmental factors vs. the personal lifestyle contributions to cancer incidence rates. This presentation should stimulate investigations of the etiologic aspects of specific environmental factors in total cancer incidence and in the incidence of particular types of cancers. Although it is mandatory that attempts are made to remove every factor in the environment demonstrated to increase the risk of cancer, from a budgetary and public health point of view, it is equally important that sufficient attention is applied to those elements involved in most cancers. With the increasing number of news reports regarding hazardous components, the average citizen considers himself immersed in an uncontrollable sea of carcinogens. Although society must and can play an important role in the reduction of those environmental factors that contribute to cancer incidence, an individual can significantly limit his own risk by appropriately altering his lifestyle.