French oncologists are now trained to consider environmental factors in cancer, highlighting the role of pollution and chemicals in disease prevention.
Training oncologists on environmental factors
At Aix-Marseille University, about thirty trainee oncologists recently took part in a half-day session focused on how environmental factors can contribute to cancer. The session is part of an effort to include more information about environmental risks in their education.Initiative led by a cardiologist
The training was launched by Pierre Souvet, a cardiologist and co-founder of the Association Santé Environnement France. He describes it as the first mandatory session for future oncologists in France that specifically addresses environmental causes of cancer, as reported by Reporterre.Current gaps in medical education
Anthony Goncalves, head of the oncology department at the university, notes that medical training in oncology has traditionally focused heavily on treatments. He says the new initiative aims to expand the perspective to include the environmental factors that may contribute to cancer.National integration of environmental health
Since the 2023 academic year, a national module on environmental health has been included in the curriculum for second- or third-year students, according to the University numérique en santé et sport (Uness). This module covers topics such as the links between human health, climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.Known environmental cancer risks
Some environmental factors are already well-documented in their link to cancer. In 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified outdoor air pollution as carcinogenic to humans, as well as suspended particles found in that pollution. The agency also identified asbestos and radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, as known or suspected carcinogens.Complex interactions in cancer development
The French Health Insurance Fund explains that cancer is generally the result of multiple factors, including age, genetic predispositions, tobacco use, alcohol, and environmental exposures. These factors can interact in complex ways, making it difficult to isolate the role of any single cause.Ongoing research on pollutants and cancer
Research into the role of pollutants in cancer continues, particularly for breast cancer. The French XENAIR project studied 5,222 women who developed breast cancer and compared them with an equal number who did not. Researchers reconstructed their exposure to atmospheric pollutants based on their addresses over time.Limitations in identifying exposure sources
While the study found associations between certain pollutants and an increased risk of breast cancer, it is important to distinguish these associations from a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The Léon Bérard Center in Lyon explains that measuring pollution at home is not enough to fully understand a person's exposure, as work environments, travel, and inhaled substances also play a role.Practical applications for doctors
Understanding these environmental factors can have real-world implications for doctors. For example, asking patients about their past jobs or the products they have handled can help identify possible occupational causes of cancer. The Léon Bérard Center has had a consultation dedicated to occupational cancers since 2009.Broader public health implications
Prevention efforts also extend beyond individual medical consultations. The IARC has emphasized the need to reduce emissions linked to transportation, industry, and heating. Addressing these issues requires collective action and policy changes that go beyond the scope of a single doctor's office.
