Association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and breast cancer risk in Mexico: a systematic review of observational studies

Key Points

• This research aims to determine the association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and breast cancer risk.
• Evaluated observational studies on breast cancer and air pollution exposure in Mexico.
• Used both direct assessments and residential proximity to pollution sources for exposure indicators.
• Assessed study design heterogeneity and potential biases in the evidence base.
• Higher estimated exposure was consistently linked to increased breast cancer burden and adverse tumor characteristics.
• Overall certainty of evidence was rated very low due to study design issues and indirect exposure assessments.
• Findings are preliminary, indicating the need for more robust studies to establish causal relationships.