Science

Rising Global Temperatures May Increase Women’s Cancer Cases and Deaths, Study Finds

In recent years, the conversation around climate change has expanded beyond environmental concerns to include its profound effects on Cancer human health. A groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Public Health has revealed a troubling link between rising global temperatures and an increase in cancer cases and deaths among women, particularly in the United States and other climate-vulnerable regions. This research highlights the urgent need to address climate change as a public health crisis, with a specific focus on its disproportionate impact on women’s health. As temperatures continue to climb, the study suggests that women may face heightened risks of cancers such as breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical, raising critical questions about how society can adapt to these emerging challenges.

The Study: Connecting Climate and Cancer

The study, conducted by researchers from the American University in Cairo, analyzed data from 1998 to 2019 across 17 countries, including regions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which are experiencing significant temperature increases. While the research focused on MENA countries, its findings have implications for the United States, where rising temperatures are also becoming a pressing concern. The researchers found that for every 1°C increase in temperature, cancer cases among women rose by 173 to 280 per 100,000 people, with ovarian cancer showing the most significant increase. Cancer-related deaths also increased by 171 to 332 per 100,000 women, with ovarian and breast cancers being particularly affected.

Dr. Wafa Abuelkheir Mataria, the study’s lead author, emphasized that while the increase per degree of temperature rise may seem modest, the cumulative impact on public health is substantial. “As temperatures rise, cancer mortality among women also rises, particularly for ovarian and breast cancers,” she said. “This trend underscores a disturbing link between environmental change and women’s health.” The study suggests that rising temperatures may exacerbate cancer risk through multiple pathways, including increased exposure to environmental carcinogens, disruptions to healthcare systems, and physiological vulnerabilities unique to women.

Why Women Are at Greater Risk

Women may be particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change due to a combination of physiological and societal factors. Dr. Sungsoo Chun, a co-author of the study, noted that women are more susceptible to climate-related health risks, especially during pregnancy, when physiological changes can amplify environmental stressors. For example, heat stress can disrupt cellular homeostasis, potentially accelerating DNA damage and impeding repair mechanisms, which may foster oncogenic mutations. Additionally, women in underserved communities often face barriers to healthcare access, such as limited screening and treatment options, which can exacerbate the impact of climate-related health risks.

In the United States, these vulnerabilities are compounded by existing health disparities. Women in rural or low-income areas may lack access to regular cancer screenings, which are critical for early detection and treatment. As climate change intensifies, natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires—both of which are becoming more frequent and severe—can disrupt healthcare infrastructure, making it harder for women to receive timely diagnoses and care. For instance, hospitals in hurricane-prone areas like Florida have had to adapt by relocating critical units to higher floors to avoid flood damage, but such measures are not universally implemented.

How Rising Temperatures Contribute to Cancer Risk

The connection between rising temperatures and increased cancer risk is multifaceted. Higher temperatures can worsen air quality by increasing the concentration of pollutants like ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), both of which are known carcinogens. These pollutants can trigger or exacerbate conditions that lead to cancer, particularly in regions with poor air quality regulations. In the U.S., urban areas like Los Angeles and Houston, which already face air pollution challenges, may see worsening conditions as temperatures rise, potentially increasing cancer risks for residents.

Additionally, climate change can increase exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to ozone depletion, a known risk factor for skin cancers like melanoma. While melanoma is not among the top cancers affecting women globally, its incidence is rising in the U.S., particularly among younger women. The National Cancer Institute reports that melanoma rates have increased by 1% to 2% annually in recent years, a trend that could be exacerbated by climate-related factors.

Rising temperatures also contribute to indirect risks, such as disruptions to food and water security. Higher ambient CO2 levels can reduce the nutritional content of staple crops, potentially leading to dietary deficiencies that weaken the body’s ability to fight disease. In the U.S., where obesity rates—a known risk factor for cancers like breast and uterine—are rising, these climate-driven changes could further compound health risks.

The U.S. Context: A Growing Public Health Challenge

While the Frontiers in Public Health study focused on the MENA region, its findings resonate with trends observed in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer incidence among women under 50 is rising at an alarming rate, with breast cancer rates increasing by 1.4% annually since the mid-2000s. This trend is particularly concerning for younger women, who are often family caregivers and may face unique challenges in accessing healthcare. The society projects that in 2025, over 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S., with women bearing a significant portion of this burden.

The U.S. is also grappling with the broader health impacts of climate change. A recent study published in JAMA found that heat-related mortality in the U.S. has more than doubled from 1999 to 2023, with 21,518 deaths recorded during this period. While this study focused on heat-related deaths rather than cancer specifically, it underscores the growing public health threat posed by rising temperatures. As climate change intensifies, the U.S. is likely to see an increase in heat-related illnesses, which could exacerbate conditions that contribute to cancer risk.

Addressing the Crisis: What Can Be Done?

The link between rising temperatures and women’s cancer rates highlights the need for urgent action to address both climate change and its health impacts. Experts are calling for a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening cancer screening programs, building climate-resilient healthcare systems, and reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens. In the U.S., initiatives like the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative are working to develop knowledge and strategies to mitigate the health effects of climate disasters.

Public health officials are also advocating for increased access to cooling centers and hydration stations in high-risk areas to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat. In cities like Phoenix and Miami, local governments have already begun implementing such measures, but more widespread adoption is needed. Additionally, reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains critical to slowing the pace of climate change and mitigating its health impacts. Healthcare institutions can play a role by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing their carbon footprint and preparing for climate-related disruptions.

For women specifically, improving access to cancer screening and treatment is essential. Programs like the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provide low-cost or free screenings to low-income women, but funding and outreach must be expanded to reach more communities. Addressing health inequities, particularly for marginalized women, will be crucial in reducing the disproportionate impact of climate-related cancer risks.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Action

The findings of the Frontiers in Public Health study serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities in the U.S. and beyond. As global temperatures continue to rise—potentially by 4°C in some regions by 2050—the health consequences will become increasingly severe unless proactive measures are taken. Women, who are already navigating systemic barriers to healthcare, face a heightened risk that cannot be ignored.

By integrating climate resilience into public health planning, the U.S. can take meaningful steps to protect women from the growing threat of cancer in a warming world. This includes investing in research to better understand the links between climate change and cancer, improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations, and addressing the root causes of global warming. As Dr. Chun noted, “Without addressing these underlying vulnerabilities, the cancer burden linked to climate change will continue to grow.”

The time to act is now. By prioritizing both environmental and public health solutions, we can work toward a future where women are not disproportionately burdened by the health impacts of climate change. For more information on how climate change is affecting health, visit the National Cancer Institute or explore the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative.

Rajendra Chandre