Environmental Exposures on Cancer Risk and Prevention: A Conversation with Irina Stepanov, PhD
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. This month, we had the opportunity to sit down with Irina Stepanov, PhD for a discussion about the impact of environmental exposures on cancer risk and prevention. Be sure to join us for our Fireside Chat on February 19 , where Dr. Stepanov will be our special expert guest!
What is your education background? What intrigued you about your field of specialty and what brought you to the University of Minnesota?
My undergraduate and PhD degrees are in chemistry, both from Moldova State University, Republic of Moldova. During my undergraduate studies I worked on a research project that investigated a particular mechanism by which certain dietary exposures, such as cured meats that contain nitrites, can contribute to cancer risk. That is when I knew what I wanted to do with my chemistry degree: uncover cancer causes so that we can understand how to prevent it.
At first, I came to the University of Minnesota for just a couple of months, on a fellowship from the American Chemical Society. After that, all I could think about was coming back to this exciting, collaborative environment, with cutting-edge laboratories and world-class expertise. The UofM is an excellent setting to engage in translational research – from cells, to organisms, to populations – and have a direct impact on cancer prevention by informing policies and practices.
What are environmental exposures and what is their relationship with cancer?
By “environment” we mean everything outside our bodies that we come in contact with – air, water, food, everyday objects. Some of these environmental sources may contain chemical substances that are able to damage our DNA and cause mutations in key genes that regulate how our cells function, putting us at risk for cancer development. Infections with certain viruses and bacteria can also increase cancer risks.
What are social determinants that play a role in environmental carcinogen exposure?
There are several ways in which certain communities may experience higher exposure to cancer risk factors. One factor is increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, such as from higher rates of smoking—historically targeted at certain communities—or from living in areas with more polluted air. Other factors, like low income, can limit access to healthy food or cancer screenings. Lastly, psychosocial stress, often driven by these other factors, may amplify the negative effects of environmental exposures.
Are there any preventative measures that people can take to avoid environmental exposures?
Yes, there are ways to decrease exposure to environmental carcinogens. The four main strategies are to avoid tobacco and alcohol, eat healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables, use sunscreen, and protect against cancer-causing viruses through vaccination. Some exposures, like polluted air, are more difficult to avoid, but there are still steps that can be taken. For example, minimizing time spent outdoors when air quality indicators are high (which indicates unhealthy air) and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
How is your research / work (if applicable) advancing understanding of environmental exposures and their role in cancer?
My research focuses on assessing carcinogenic exposures and cancer-relevant biological effects from tobacco use and air pollution, with the goal of establishing a direct link between environmental factors and their presence in the human body, as well as how they are metabolized. The main objectives of this research are to identify individuals who are particularly susceptible to cancer and to inform them of preventive measures that can minimize their exposures.