Occupational and environmental iron exposure - a hidden risk factor in breast cancer etiology

Sep 29, 2026

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Breast cancer is a major global public health challenge shaped by genetic, hormonal, and environmental interactions. Beyond classical risk factors, emerging research highlights heavy metal exposure—especially iron—as a potential driver of carcinogenesis. Iron participates in vital cellular functions, yet excess iron can trigger oxidative stress and DNA damage, processes tied to tumor initiation and progression. Occupational and environmental exposure from industrial activity may cause chronic low-level iron accumulation, fostering pro-oxidative, pro-inflammatory conditions, and may also disrupt estrogen metabolism in breast tissue.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

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Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Iron, oxidative stress, and carcinogenesis

Occupational and environmental iron sources

Review Occupational and environmental iron exposure: a hidden risk factor in breast cancer etiology Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, PhD* Abstract Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge globally, with its etiology influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. While traditional risk factors such as age, reproductive history, and family predisposition are well-recognized, emerging evidence points to heavy metal exposure – particularly iron – as a potential contributor to carcinogenesis. Iron is a vital micronutrient required for cellular metabolism; however, excess iron has been shown to catalyze oxidative stress and deoxyribonucleic acid damage, both of which are implicated in tumor initiation and progression. Occupational and environmental iron exposure is increasingly prevalent due to industrial expansion, especially in metal-processing industries such as welding, mining, and steel manufacturing. Workers in these sectors, as well as individuals living near industrial zones, may experience chronic low-level exposure to iron through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. When iron accumulates beyond the body’s regulatory capacity, it may foster a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory milieu conducive to breast tumorigenesis. Furthermore, iron’s interaction with estrogen metabolism may have unique implications for hormonally sensitive tissues like the breast. Keywords: breast cancer, environmental pollution, iron overload, occupational exposure, oxidative stress Introduction Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality[1] . Despite significant advances in detection and treatment, the incidence continues to rise, particularly in developing countries undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization[2] . Breast cancer etiology is multifactorial, with well-established risk factors including genetics, hormonal influences, reproductive history, lifestyle behaviors, and environmental exposures [3] . However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that exposure to certain metals, including iron, may contribute to the carcinogenic process, warranting closer examination[4] . Iron is an essential trace element that plays a pivotal role in numerous biological processes such as oxygen transport, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, and cellular respiration. The human body maintains iron homeostasis through tightly regulated mechanisms of absorption, storage, and recycling. Despite its necessity, excess iron can be highly toxic due to its ability to catalyze the formation of reactive Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article. *Corresponding author. Address: Department ofBiomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. Tel.: +2348037369912. [E-mail: emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com](E-mail: emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com) (E.I. Obeagu). Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CCBY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Annals of Medicine & Surgery (2026) 88:451–458 Received 17 July 2025; Accepted 1 November 2025 Published online 24 November 2025 [http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MS9.0000000000004305](http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MS9.0000000000004305) HIGHLIGHTS ● Iron exposure promotes oxidative stress, DNA damage, and carcinogenesis. ● Occupational settings increase women’s cumulative iron load. ● Environmental iron pollutants contribute to breast tissue alterations. ● Iron dysregulates estrogen metabolism. ● Early detection requires metal exposure screening. oxygen species (ROS) via the iron-cata

FAQs

Why is iron considered a potential risk factor for breast cancer etiology?

Excess iron can catalyze oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species formation, leading to DNA damage that may contribute to tumor initiation and progression. Iron may also influence estrogen metabolism in breast tissue.

How do occupational environments increase iron exposure for women?

Industrial activities such as welding, mining, and steel manufacturing can generate iron-containing particulates. Workers may inhale these particles or absorb iron through the skin, leading to chronic low-level exposure and cumulative iron load.

What biological mechanisms link iron overload to breast tumor development?

Iron overload may create a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory milieu that supports carcinogenesis. It may exacerbate oxidative damage and dysregulate estrogen metabolism, creating conditions favorable to mutagenesis and tumor progression.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket