A new study has discovered a disturbing potential link between microplastics and cancerous prostate tumors. While this study does not prove cause and effect, it raises the question of the impact microplastics may have on the development of certain cancers.
What happened?
A study led by Dr. Stacy Loeb, a urologist at NYU Langone Health, found that prostate tumors have higher concentrations of microplastics than noncancerous tissue.
NBC News reports that the study, recently presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, found that 90 percent of tumor samples contained microplastics, compared with 70 percent of non-cancerous samples. The researchers also said they took extreme precautions to prevent plastic contamination of their samples while also being “overly conservative” when considering potential contamination.
Dr. Loeb noted that this finding was “very surprising and concerning.”
While the study has not yet been published, it does raise concerns about potential links between microplastics and the development of cancer.
Why are these findings concerning?
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles formed when larger plastics break down, have previously been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta and other tissues. They continue to accumulate in everything from our drinking water to our food, and have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and other health problems.
This is not the first study to find higher concentrations of microplastics in tumors. Another study published in The Lancet in 2024 found similar results.
While experts note that it does not prove that microplastics cause tumor growth, it does suggest a link that deserves further study. “The fact that it was detected in tumors means that this issue deserves real serious attention from a public health perspective,” said Dr. Andrea Viale, who was not involved in the study, NBC News reported.
This issue becomes even more pressing given that prostate cancer rates have been rising. As cancer diagnoses increase year by year, more and more people’s lives are at risk.
What measures are being taken against microplastics?
The researchers are calling for more extensive research to determine whether microplastics play a role in cancer development. Some governments and politicians are also pushing for stricter regulation of microplastics, such as monitoring their concentrations in drinking water.
However, comprehensive solutions, such as corporate responsibility and developing plastic alternatives where possible, are likely to have the greatest impact on our microplastic problem.
In the meantime, individuals can reduce their exposure to microplastics by reducing their use of single-use plastics, using glass or stainless steel food containers instead of plastics, and supporting policies that reduce plastic use.
Get TCD’s free newsletter for simple tips to save more, reduce waste and make smarter choices, and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.
