Letter: Cancer concerns

AS A 24-year survivor of breast cancer, and a participant in the Generations Study, I am surprised that any conclusions are being drawn before conclusive data are available (your report, 20 September). While lifestyle factors are no doubt important, environmental carcinogens must surely play a part in the increasing incidence of breast cancer.

The scientists involved in the study should look at the President's Cancer Panel report, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What we can do now, which identifies many environmental contaminants that may add to the risk of breast cancer and other hormonally-modulated cancers such as those of the prostate and testis. We all need to be responsible in our lifestyles, and obesity is surely something to be ashamed of in Scotland, but the patient is not always to blame: industry needs to play its part in cleaning up the environment.

HEATHER GOODARE

Glengyle Terrace

Edinburgh