Microplastics detected in prostate tumors, triggering calls for broader cancer research

A study led by NYU Langone Health urologist Dr. Stacy Loeb found higher concentrations of microplastics in prostate tumor tissue than in non-cancerous tissue, with about 90% of tumor samples containing microplastics versus 70% of controls. Although not yet published, researchers say the findings raise important questions about a potential link between microplastics and cancer development and call for broader studies. They stressed strict contamination controls and noted the result does not prove causation, but emphasize that the issue merits serious public-health attention and potential regulatory action to curb plastic pollution.