BPA and Alkylphenols Share 156 Gene Targets With Breast Cancer
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
Three common endocrine disruptors share 156 gene targets with breast cancer. Researchers just mapped exactly how they may be driving the disease.
Three Chemicals, One Disease Network
Scientists used machine learning and multi-database analysis to map how BPA, nonylphenol (NP), and octylphenol (OP) interact with breast cancer at the molecular level. They found 156 common gene targets between these chemicals and breast cancer, according to a 2026 study in Sci Rep.
Six key genes were identified as the most important: MAOA, MGLL, ADRA2A, RPN2, IGF1R, and CTSD. These genes had diagnostic accuracy of 0.80 to 0.94 AUC for distinguishing breast cancer tissue from normal tissue.
These Chemicals Are Everywhere
BPA is in food can linings, receipts, and plastic bottles. Nonylphenol and octylphenol are in detergents, personal care products, and industrial cleaners. All three mimic estrogen and are classified as endocrine disruptors.
The study showed these chemicals affect cancer-related pathways including immune cell infiltration and hormonal signaling, not just estrogen activity.
What You Can Do
Avoid canned foods, plastic bottles, and synthetic detergents. Choose fragrance-free, plant-based cleaning products. And explore non-toxic home essentials for safer everyday alternatives.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.