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Bisphenols, PCBs, Parabens, and Dioxins: The Silent Threat of Endocrine Disruptors in Breast Cancer

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Treballs Finals de Grau de Farmàcia, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, 2025. Tutor: Vicenç Ruiz de Porras Fondevila

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Bisphenols, PCBs, Parabens, and Dioxins: The Silent Threat of Endocrine Disruptors in 
Breast Cancer
This study investigates the potential role of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in 
breast cancer development and progression. The primary objective is to analyse how 
bisphenols, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, and dioxins contribute to 
oncogenic processes by disrupting hormonal balance, altering gene expression, and 
modifying the tumour microenvironment. Specifically, this review aims to identify key 
exposure pathways, elucidate molecular mechanisms of action, and evaluate their 
public health implications.
To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed 
scientific databases, focusing on studies published from 2019 onward. The findings 
reveal that BPA promotes cell proliferation, migration, epigenetic alterations, and 
immune suppression, accelerating tumour progression. PCBs influence gene expression 
and cellular metabolism, but their correlation with breast cancer remains inconclusive.
Parabens exhibit estrogenic activity, increasing oxidative stress and tumour growth,
while dioxins contribute to metastasis, inflammation, and therapy resistance. 
Epidemiological studies suggest that high exposure levels-mainly through diet, 
environmental contamination, and personal care products-are associated with 
increased breast cancer risk. 
In conclusion, EDCs play a significant role in breast cancer, although further research is 
needed to address existing knowledge gaps. Moreover, stronger regulatory preventive
measures should be reinforced to minimize exposure and mitigate associated health 
risks. Moreover, raising public awareness and promoting the development of safer 
alternatives are crucial steps in reducing the impact of these chemicals on human health. 
Key words: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, breast cancer, bisphenols, polychlorinated 
biphenyls, parabens, dioxins

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cc-by-nc-nd (c) Marina Sánchez-Ocaña Paz, 2025

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Treballs Finals de Grau (TFG) - Farmàcia

# metadata.dc.title[].value
Bisphenols, PCBs, Parabens, and Dioxins: The Silent Threat of Endocrine Disruptors in Breast Cancer