The Relationship Between Climate Change and Breast Cancer and Its Management and Preventative Implications in South Africa

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#humans #south-africa #climate-change #breast-neoplasms #female

The Relationship Between Climate Change and Breast Cancer and Its Management and Preventative Implications in South Africa

Mahasa et al., 2025 | Int J Environ Res Public Health | Systematic Review

Citation

Mahasa Pululu Sexton, Milambo Muambangu Jean Paul, ... Tesfamichael Solomon Gebremariam. The Relationship Between Climate Change and Breast Cancer and Its Management and Preventative Implications in South Africa. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025-Sep-25;22(10). doi:10.3390/ijerph22101486

Abstract

This review aims to explore the implications of climate change for breast cancer management and prevention, with a focus on global strategies and interventions that can be applied in various contexts, including South Africa. Climate change has emerged as a significant global health concern, with far-reaching implications for various diseases, including cancer. This systematic review aims to synthesise epidemiological research examining the relationship between climate change and the incidence of breast cancer. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using main search terms, including "breast cancer," "climate change," "air pollution," "water pollution," "global warming," and "greenhouse effect," supplemented by the general term "breast" cancer across multiple databases. Our analysis identified studies that link environmental changes-such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased exposure to pollutants-with breast cancer risk. Our findings highlight a potential association between climate-related factors, including heat stress, air and water pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and lifestyle changes influenced by environmental shifts, and the epidemiology of breast cancer. This review underscores the need for an integrated approach that incorporates climate science into public health strategies to mitigate breast cancer risk. By elucidating these connections, we aim to inform policymakers and healthcare professionals about the importance of addressing climate change not just as an environmental issue, but as a pressing determinant of health that may exacerbate cancer incidence, particularly in vulnerable populations. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions that can address both climate change and its potential health impacts.

Key Findings

Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions that can address both climate change and its potential health impacts.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • South Africa
  • Climate Change
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Female
  • Incidence

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: resveratrol

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09