Bisphenols and breast cancer.
What is the link?
Is there a link between bisphenols and breast cancer?
Studies in cells have shown that BPA and several other bisphenols can copy the actions of the female hormone oestrogen and interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system. High levels of oestrogen can increase breast cancer risk. Therefore, bisphenols that act in a similar way to oestrogen may play a role in breast cancer.
Cell and animal studies have shown that bisphenol A (BPA) may contribute to breast cancer development and progression. In animals, exposure to BPA in the womb can also affect the development of the mammary gland and increase the risk of breast tumours later in life.
In humans, exposure to bisphenols, such as BPA, BPS and BPF, during pregnancy may be linked to low birth weight and preterm birth. Long-term human studies are needed to see if exposure to bisphenols, including BPA, during the development of the unborn baby in the womb may affect breast cancer risk later in life, as observed in animals.
While there are many laboratory studies on bisphenols, especially BPA, very few studies have been done in humans. So far, no direct link has been observed between exposure to bisphenols and breast cancer.
However, these studies were conducted in adults without considering exposure during other life stages when we may be more susceptible to EDCs. Many also do not consider exposure to chemicals in combination (known as chemical cocktails) over a long period of time, which is more human-relevant.
Tips to reduce your exposure to bisphenols.
Use glass containers; avoid microwaving plastic.
Swap plastic food and drink storage containers for glass or stainless steel. Never microwave food in plastic (like Tupperware or takeaway boxes); transfer it to glass first.
Limit the amount of canned or tinned food you eat.
Choose fresh food where possible. Bisphenols are used in the linings for tin cans.
Say no to receipts.
Avoid touching till receipts where possible and wash your hands after handling.
Key facts about bisphenols.
- Bisphenols are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with our hormones.
- They can be found in many everyday products such as plastic bottles, food packaging and till receipts.
- “BPA-free” products may contain other bisphenols as “regrettable replacements”.
- Bisphenols can mimic the female hormone oestrogen, which may impact breast cancer risk.
- Several bisphenols have been found in urine, blood, breast milk and breast tissue.
What are bisphenols?
Bisphenols are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with our hormones. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most common chemical in this group, but there are many substitutes like BPS, BPF, and BPAF, which are chemically very similar. These substitutes are often called "regrettable replacements" because they may have health risks and toxicity like the original BPA.
Where can bisphenols be found?
How are you exposed to bisphenols?
Bisphenols can be transferred from plastic items into food, water, cosmetics and the environment. For instance, microwaving food in a plastic container may release bisphenols into the food.
Once in our bodies, these EDCs can be found in many body fluids and tissues, including blood, urine, amniotic fluid, breast milk, fat and breast tissues.
Are bisphenols regulated?
BPA is officially recognised to be an EDC and to negatively affect human health. Over the years, BPA has been banned from baby feeding bottles, till receipts and restrictions have been placed on levels allowed in children's toys and other baby products.
Other bisphenols used as substitutes are currently not regulated, with the only assessment in the UK looking at restricting bisphenols in till receipts.
As part of regulating chemicals, it is important to estimate safe levels of exposure. In 2023, the EU reassessed the safe levels of BPA to which we can be exposed daily.
After evaluating the most recent evidence available, including a study funded by Breast Cancer UK, a new safe limit has been established, which is 20,000 times lower than the previous one.
Since BREXIT, the UK operates its own system for regulating chemicals and has adopted a different safe limit for BPA, which is 1000 times higher than the EU level.
Ask the scientist: Does drinking water from plastic bottles increase breast cancer risk?
Start your prevention journey today.
To reduce your exposure to bisphenols, choose one of these three easy changes:
- Stop heating plastic: never microwave food in plastic (including "BPA-free"). Use glass or ceramic.
- Avoid canned food: choose fresh, frozen, or jarred food instead.
- Refuse receipts: say no to thermal paper receipts or choose the digital option.
Remember, small changes add up over time and can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Further reading
For more information, please read our Bisphenols and Breast Cancer science review.
Last review: Mar-24 | Next review: Mar-27.
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- European Chemicals Agency. Bisphenols https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/bisphenols (accessed June 17, 2024).
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- EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials E and PA (CEP), Lambré C, Barat Baviera JM, Bolognesi C, Chesson A, Cocconcelli PS, et al. Re-evaluation of the risks to public health related to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in foodstuffs. EFSA Journal 2023;21:e06857. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.6857.
