Effects of bisphenol A and its chemical analogues on the microenvironment and female breast cancer development (Review)

Female breast cancer (BC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignancy globally and its incidence is rising. Endocrine‑disrupting chemicals can bind to and activate oestrogen receptors, disrupt the microenvironment and promote oncogenic pathways. Consequently, bisphenols have been associated with the potential onset of breast carcinogenesis. The present narrative review discusses bisphenol A (BPA) and three of its chemical analogues, bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol S (BPF), as well as their potential role in altering the breast microenvironment. In doing so, the present review highlights the effects that BPA, and its analogues may have in driving carcinogenesis in the microenvironment through endocrine disruption, epigenetic changes, and the modulation of immune and inflammatory pathways. Further studies are required to better understand these interactions in order to develop preventative strategies and regulatory policies to mitigate the potential risk of BC development through environmental exposure to BPA, BPAF, BPS and BPF.