Accidental contamination of the Michigan food chain with polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) led to the exposure of more than 4,000 persons in 1973. PBB exposure is suspected of disrupting endocrine function and may increase the risk of benign breast disease (BBD). We conducted a survival analysis to determine the incidence of BBD from 1973 until 1997 among a cohort of women exposed to PBBs and interviewed in 1997. We examined the relationship between BBD and exposure to serum PBBs, serum polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other risk factors for BBD reported in the literature. A low number of diagnoses verified by biopsy (n=22) precluded a subgroup analysis. Two hundred fourteen (23%) of 951 women reported BBD diagnosed by a physician. The multivariate Cox model included PBB exposure, PCB exposure, age, body mass index, smoking, breastfeeding, menopausal status, and annual number of doctor visits. We did not find a significant association between moderate (>1-12 parts per billion [ppb]), (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.80-1.45) or high (>12 ppb), (OR 0.79, 95% CI=0.46-1.38) compared to low (<=1 ppb) PBB exposure and BBD. Age, smoking, menopausal status and annual number of doctor visits were significantly associated with the incidence of BBD. Our analysis did not demonstrate an association between serum PBB level and self-reported BBD. Future cohort studies about the role of potential endocrine disrupters and BBD should be prospectively designed and attempt to verify benign breast disease by standardized biopsy to allow for diagnostic specificity.
Learning Objectives: Discuss the association between PBB exposure and benign breast disease.
Keywords: Endocrine, Reproductive Morbidity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.