Microplastics and Cancer: A Growing Concern
For several years, numerous studies have been investigating the potential health effects of continuous exposure to microplastics. These minuscule plastic particles – less than 5mm for microplastics and 100 nanometers for nanoplastics – end up in our bodies directly or indirectly from the environment and accumulate within us. This is confirmed by the fact that microplastics have been found in a large proportion of our organs, and even in semen, the placenta, and breast milk.
Inflammation and Potential Health Risks
While the consequences of these particles on our health are not yet fully understood, preliminary studies suggest they could trigger inflammatory and oxidative processes, potentially increasing the risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular pathologies and dementia. However, our knowledge on this topic remains limited, and many areas remain unexplored.
New Research Links Microplastics to Prostate Cancer
To better understand whether exposure to microplastics could play a role in prostate cancer – one of the most common cancers in men – researchers at NYU Langone Health conducted a study. Although small, involving just ten patients, the results warrant further investigation.
Study Findings: Microplastics in Tumor Tissue
The study, presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology genitourinary cancers symposium, revealed that microplastics were found in nine of the ten patients’ prostate tumors, and in higher concentrations than in surrounding non-cancerous tissue. Researchers analyzed tissue samples for 12 common plastic molecules, identifying them in 90% of tumor samples and 70% of benign tissue. Critically, the concentration of microplastics was more than double (an average of 2.5 times higher) in cancerous tissues compared to benign prostate tissue.
What Do These Results Mean?
“Our pilot study provides important evidence that exposure to microplastics could be a risk factor for prostate cancer,” explained lead author Professor Stacy Loeb of NYU Grossman School of Medicine. This does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but suggests a potential link. The next step is to understand how microplastics might increase the risk of this specific cancer.
The Inflammation Hypothesis
Researchers hypothesize that these substances could trigger an inflammatory process. As microplastics accumulate in the prostate, they may stimulate a hyperactive immune response, which over time could damage healthy cells and potentially transform them into cancerous cells.
While these are still hypotheses, the findings highlight “yet another potential health problem” related to plastic. Researchers are calling for more effective measures to limit human exposure to microplastics, a phenomenon we still know too little about.
Did you know?
Every year, a person may ingest approximately five grams of plastic, equivalent to the weight of a credit card.
FAQ: Microplastics and Your Health
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size. Nanoplastics are even smaller, with a diameter of less than 100 nanometers.
Where are microplastics found?
Microplastics are found everywhere – in the air, food, drinking water, and especially in the oceans.
Can microplastics cause cancer?
Research is ongoing, but a recent study suggests a potential link between microplastic exposure and an increased risk of prostate cancer. More research is needed to confirm this.
How can I reduce my exposure to microplastics?
Reducing plastic consumption, avoiding products containing microbeads, and filtering drinking water can assist minimize exposure.
Pro Tip
Consider using reusable water bottles and shopping bags to reduce your plastic footprint.
Wish to learn more about environmental health? Explore AIRC’s resources on microplastics.
Share your thoughts! What steps are you taking to reduce your plastic consumption? Leave a comment below.