Combination of causes in cancer

I refer to the EU Commission Communication on Cancer, (June 24), which states cancer prevention needs to address environmental factors.

The Commission has taken an important step forward in recognising the environmental dimension of cancer prevention, according to the Health Environment Alliance. Lisette van Vliet, chemical policy advisor, welcomed this communication, which acknowledges recognition that exposure to chemicals is a key determinant of cancer. Action for Breast Cancer Foundation congratulates HEAL on working towards achieving this important development.

For the first time, the Commission officially acknowledges that cancer prevention should address lifestyle, occupational and environmental causes on an equal footing.

In April 2008, the European Parliament recognised that the multiple factors and stages involved in cancer causation required "a new cancer prevention paradigm that addresses the different causes... that reflects the actual combination effects of different causes, rather than focusing on isolated causes".

The European Parliament also noted "the increasing scientific evidence that certain cancers, such as cancer of the bladder, bone, lung, skin, breast and others are caused not only by the effects of chemical substances, radiation and airborne particles but also by other environmental factors" (Resolution September 2008).