Breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women, affects approximately 13% of women at some point in their lives. In the United States, although deaths from breast cancer have been declining, the number of cases is on the rise, particularly among younger women. Experts are uncertain about the reasons behind this increase.

A recent study may provide a potential explanation, suggesting that chemicals transferring from food packaging into the food could be a factor. The study identified 189 chemicals in food packaging that are possible mammary carcinogens, meaning they could increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society has also reported a 44% decline in breast cancer deaths since 1989, thanks largely to increased screening and better treatments. However, the incidence of breast cancer continues to rise each year, particularly among younger women, and the reasons for this trend remain unclear.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several factors that influence breast cancer risk. Risk factors include:

• Being female, as women are far more likely than men to develop breast cancer
• Aging, with most breast cancer cases diagnosed in women over the age of 50
• Genetic mutations that increase the risk
• Having dense breast tissue
• Exposure to carcinogens, substances that can increase cancer risk

The CDC also recommends certain lifestyle choices that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. These include:

• Staying physically active
• Maintaining a healthy weight, especially after menopause
• Having children, particularly before age 30, and breastfeeding them
• Limiting alcohol consumption

The study, conducted by the Food Packaging Forum Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland, and published in Frontiers in Toxicology, identified 189 chemicals in common food packaging materials that are potential breast carcinogens. Of these, 76 chemicals were found to have the potential to transfer from the packaging into the food.

While the findings of this study may be concerning, Ben Atkinson, head of research communications at Breast Cancer Now, who was not involved in the study, urged caution. He noted that although the study identified potentially harmful chemicals in food packaging, it did not establish a definitive link between these chemicals and breast cancer.