Protecting Your Health: Environmental Triggers of Breast Cancer and Simple, Affordable Prevention Strategies

Shane
5 days ago
6 min read

In 2025, breast cancer remains a major health concern, with an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women across the United States, plus around 2,800 in men and an additional 59,080 cases of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The lifetime risk for women stands at about 1 in 8 (13.1%), and while survival rates have improved, the disease still claims lives. Approximately 44,170 women are projected to die from it this year, with a death rate of 19.2 per 100,000 women.

Globally, if trends continue, we could see 3.2 million new cases annually by 2050. These numbers paint a stark picture: breast cancer affects millions, often leading to invasive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These procedures can be physically grueling, emotionally draining, and financially burdensome, with costs running into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars even with insurance.

But here's the empowering truth- prevention is far superior. By addressing environmental exposures through simple, everyday changes, you can potentially lower your risk without the pain or expense of medical interventions. As a Building Biologist, I've developed practical, budget-friendly strategies that anyone can implement to create healthier living spaces.

The sun is nature's cure for breast cancer

Environmental Exposures Linked to Breast Cancer: Insights from Key Studies

Research increasingly points to everyday environmental factors as contributors to breast cancer risk. Below, I outline two studies highlighting potential causes, followed by an additional one revealing "the other side of the coin", a protective element many overlook.

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) and Breast Cancer

This global ecological study analyzed data from 158 countries to investigate the correlation between exposure to artificial light at night (measured via satellite imagery of nighttime illumination) and age-standardized incidence rates of breast cancer, adjusted for various confounders like socioeconomic status, urbanicity, electricity consumption, and air pollution.

Topline Results:

The researchers found a significant positive association between ALAN exposure and breast cancer rates (beta coefficient = 0.48, p < 0.01). This link persisted after adjustments, with a stronger correlation in more industrialized nations (e.g., higher ALAN levels corresponded to elevated incidence rates, potentially explaining up to 30-50% of variation in some models). No such association was found for prostate cancer, suggesting specificity to breast cancer.

Practical Meaning:

For the average person, this means that constant exposure to streetlights, indoor bulbs, or screens at night can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin production- a hormone that helps regulate sleep and protects against cancer. Living in brightly lit urban areas or keeping lights on late could unknowingly increase your risk. The good news? Small changes like dimming lights or using blackout curtains can help mitigate this.2.

Cell Phones and Wireless Exposures Worn on the Body

This case series examined four young women (ages 21-39) with no family history or genetic risk factors for breast cancer, who developed multifocal invasive tumors after habitually carrying cell phones in their bras for extended periods (up to 10 hours daily over 6-10 years).

Topline Results:

In all cases, tumors were clustered precisely in the breast areas in direct contact with the phones, spanning 8-12 cm with multiple lesions (e.g., 4-6 tumors sized 1-3 cm each). Pathology showed similar characteristics: estrogen/progesterone receptor-positive, low-intermediate grade invasive ductal carcinomas with extensive DCIS. Three cases involved lymph node metastasis, and one progressed to bone metastasis. Breast imaging (MRIs and mammograms) confirmed segmental distributions matching phone placement.

Practical Meaning:

Keeping a cell phone pressed against your body, like in a bra or pocket, may expose breast tissue to nonionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which can lead to cellular changes over time. This isn't about occasional use but prolonged close contact, common for many women these days. Everyday folks can reduce risk by maintaining distance, think hands-free options or keeping devices in bags, instead of direct skin contact.

The Other Side of the Coin: Protective Effects of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)

One additional study provides “the other side of the coin” that many people miss: while artificial light harms, natural sunlight offers protection. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized 13 studies (mostly from North America and Europe) on solar UVR exposure and breast cancer risk in adult women, focusing on self-reported time outdoors and ambient UVR levels.

Topline Results:

Spending ≥1 hour per day in the sun (during summer, lifetime or adulthood) was linked to a 16% reduced risk (pooled relative risk [RR] = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77-0.91). The effect was stronger in adolescence (RR = 0.83 for ≥1 hour/day; even lower at 0.72 for ≥2 hours/day). Dose-response showed benefits plateauing at 1-2 hours, with no further gain beyond that. Ambient UVR alone showed no association (RR = 1.00). Subgroup analysis indicated protection mainly for estrogen receptor-positive tumors.

Practical Meaning:

Moderate sun exposure can lower breast cancer risk by boosting vitamin D production, which supports immune function and cell regulation. Aim for 1-2 hours of outdoor time daily, working your way up to midday summer sun by spending time outside earlier in the day, (UVB light comes on a few hours after sunrise in the summer) as a simple, free way to counterbalance modern indoor lifestyles. It's the flip side to avoiding artificial light: embrace natural light during the day.

Please note: if you live north of the 37th latitude, full spectrum sunlight with the UVR looked at in this study is not available for most of the year. I use this app to understand what the sun is doing in my area. I highly encourage some vacations to Mexico during these winter months!

My Practical Solutions as a Building Biologist: The Tripod Approach and Wireless Tips

Drawing from my expertise, I've developed actionable strategies to address these risks. For artificial light at night, I recommend the "Tripod" solution—a three-pronged framework to minimize blue light and promote healthy sleep cycles. Here's a summary:

#1 Wear Blue-Blocking Glasses:

Invest in tinted glasses that filter out melatonin-suppressing wavelengths. Wear them in the evening for quicker sleep onset and better rest. Red tint is best for after sunset, orange is second best.

Recommendations

Non-Prescription

Prescription

#2 Eliminate Toxic Blue Light Sources:

Swap LED/fluorescent bulbs for incandescent ones to cut blue frequencies. On devices, use software like Iris (for computers), my iPhone hack (Apple), or Twilight (Android) set to the warmest, dimmest levels. Apply light-filtering stickers to appliance displays, fridge lights, and smoke detectors, plus install blackout blinds to block external light pollution. This is essential especially in urban areas where nights can be brighter than a full moon.

#3 Reduce EMF Radiation in the Bedroom:

Turn off circuit breakers that power the lights and plugs in the bedrooms. Also address wireless devices at night. From what I typically find in client's homes, you probably have more of them than you think!

Regarding wireless exposures, remember: it's not just about having a device on your body, general proximity is the key. Any distance from the body reduces risk. Practical tips include:

Turn devices off at night using control panel auto-off features or simple timer plugs (available on Amazon for under $10).
Clustered gadgets such as in your TV area, can be put on a power strip for one-switch shutdown, making it effortless to eliminate overnight wireless radiation.

These changes are inexpensive and simple; very good insurance against contracting breast cancer. Prevention through these home and lifestyle tweaks isn't just effective, it's empowering and far cheaper than treatment.

If you're ready to optimize your space for health, I encourage you to work with me as a Building Biologist. Whether remotely via consultations or in-person assessments, I can tailor solutions to your home and lifestyle. Contact me today to get started on a safer, healthier path.

Discovery Call

15min

Book Now

All the best!

~Shane