- A solvent commonly found in paint, varnishes, dyes and
fuel additives can raise the level of female hormones in the body and increase
the risk of breast or ovarian cancer, researchers said yesterday.
-
- Ethylene glycol methyl ether (EGME) has been found to
boost the activity of oestrogen and progesterone in cells by up to 10 times.
The research is the first to show that the activity takes place inside
cells.
-
- Women who are on the Pill or who take hormone replacement
therapy may be at increased risk because exposure to EGME might trigger
breast and ovarian cancers which are sensitive to hormones.
-
- Dr Donald McDonnell, a pharmacologist at Duke University
Medical Centre in North Carolina, who is leading the research, said that
the chemical might also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
-
- He said: "These data should prompt caution for patients
who are exposed to either of these chemical compounds while taking any
oestrogen or progesterone-containing medications, such as hormone therapy,
oral contraceptives or tamoxifen for breast cancer."
-
- © Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2004. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/04/20/
negme20.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/04/20/ixhome.html
|