Breast cancer and the exposome: what is the role of environmental exposures?

Status Ongoing
Start date 2025
Location Quebec
Researcher Noisel, Nolwenn
Associated institution Université de Montréal
Summary

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, yet many of its risk factors remain poorly understood. While genetics accounts for only a small proportion of cases, environmental exposures, lifestyle habits, and chronic stress are thought to play an important role.
This project will use data and biological samples from the CARTaGENE biobank to examine how lifelong environmental exposures — known as the exposome — influence breast cancer risk. The study will also explore allostatic load, an indicator of the cumulative effects of chronic stress on the body, as well as accelerated biological aging.
By combining information on environmental exposures, stress, and biological aging, this research aims to identify new environmental risk factors and better understand the biological pathways linking these factors to breast cancer. The results could help improve prevention strategies, refine screening approaches, and support efforts to reduce exposure to harmful environmental factors.

Themes
  • Cancer
  • Environment and lifestyle
  • Genetics and genomics
Data types
  • Biochemical and hematological data
  • Biological samples
  • Genetic data
  • Linked data
  • Physical and cognitive measures
  • Questionnaire data