Cancer Prevention for Children

Children, the environment and cancer

Much of the research on the links between the environment and cancer has focused on exposure in adults. There has been less research looking at the impact of these links early in life – either while the fetus is in the uterus or after a baby has been born.

This information is important because researchers believe that children may be more vulnerable to substances that may increase the risk of cancer, cause birth defects, or interfere with the normal hormonal system in the body. There are several reasons for this:

* Children may absorb more environmental contaminants because they breathe, eat and drink more than adults relative to their body weight.
* Children, especially infants and toddlers, sit more often on the ground and crawl to explore areas where adults typically don't go. As they do, they often put their hands and fingers into their mouths.
* There are periods during normal human development when exposure may pose more harm than during other parts of life. For example, the risk of developing cancer is greater among children exposed to radiation than it is for adults exposed to the same amount of radiation.
* There is a possibility that studies looking at exposure to cancer-causing substances in adults or animals may underestimate the risks of cancer in children. Specific studies in children will help us to better understand what children are being exposed to and can help identify risk factors for specific cancers over time.

What you can do

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The Canadian Cancer Society knows you’re concerned about the links between the environment and cancer. We’re working on your behalf to eliminate or reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment.

We encourage you to join us in our work in this important area. Ask your local, provincial and federal government to put policies in place that will specifically protect both children and adults from exposure to environmental contaminants. For example:

* by-laws to eliminate the use of ornamental pesticides on lawns and gardens
* policies that would encourage manufacturers to clearly label all products, including cosmetics, household cleaning products and other products, so you can make informed choices.

There are some precautions you can take to reduce your exposure to environmental contaminants.

* Eliminate or limit exposure to potentially harmful and cancer-causing substances by buying non-toxic materials (e.g. non-toxic glue and paint).
* Follow manufacturers’ directions about using and storing hazardous chemicals safely.
* Wear protective clothing while handling hazardous products and wash your hands immediately afterwards. It’s especially important to wash the hands of children frequently as they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths.
* Until scientific evidence can clarify the link between exposure to magnetic fields from high voltage power lines and cancer risk, you may not want your children to play directly beneath them for long periods of time on a regular basis.

What we are doing about cancer and the environment

The Canadian Cancer Society believes that Canadians should not be exposed to cancer-causing substances at home, at work, or in their environment.

We’re working on your behalf to eliminate or reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances in the environment:

* The Society has taken a position on the cosmetic use of pesticides.
* We’re actively involved in communities throughout Canada in lobbying for bans on ornamental use of pesticides.
* The Society is an active member of the National Committee on Environmental and Occupational Exposures (NCEOE). The committee wrote a report entitled, “Prevention of Occupational and Environmental Cancers in Canada: A Best Practices Review” We support the committee’s recommendations in the report, including using standard warning labels on consumer products, enhanced surveillance of exposures and risk factors, more research, and greater public education and awareness.
* NCEOE presented recommendations to the federal government body conducting a review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The recommendations were aimed at strengthening legislation to protect Canadians from exposure to carcinogens. In particular, it recommended that these substances be given high priority for review and assessment.
* The Society, in partnership with the Canadian Lung Association and other health groups, submitted a brief to the group reviewing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. This input outlined recommendations to strengthen the Act.
* We support Health Canada’s and Environment Canada’s planned assessment of thousands of chemicals in use in Canada. These chemicals potentially pose a risk to human health and/or the environment. The Society encourages the government to continue to move quickly to assess the chemicals – particularly carcinogens. The information about the review and the overall process should be as accessible and transparent as possible
* Since 2003, the Society has funded more than $4.3 million into research related to environmental and occupational causes of cancer, including:

* investigating environmental and genetic factors that may cause acute lymphoblastic leukemia – one of the most common childhood cancers
* investigating possible environmental and genetic factors that might contribute to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
* identifying risk factors for prostate cancer including exposure to chemical agents found in the workplace, physical inactivity smoking and alcohol use.

* A panel of prevention research experts is currently reviewing the current state of knowledge about cancer prevention in Canada and around the world. The review will culminate in a scientific conference that will discuss the gaps in our cancer prevention knowledge and will make recommendations about how they can be filled.
* We’ve been leaders in tobacco control for years, including ensuring policies and legislation are in place to protect Canadians from tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke is a substantial contributor to environmental toxins – 30% of all cancers are caused by smoking.

We will continue to monitor information about the environment and cancer. We will advocate where appropriate and update information and health messages as warranted.