Talking Trees

Trees and Cancer

Subscriber Episode • • Arboricultural Academy • Season 2025 • Episode 138

This episode is only available to subscribers.

In this Thursday episode of Talking Trees, we explore the emerging and complex connections between exposure to trees and green spaces and the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. While research is still developing, recent studies have started to uncover possible protective effects of urban greenery on human health.

We discuss:

  • A multi-regional study from Spain suggesting lower breast cancer risk among women living near urban green spaces, compared to higher risk near agricultural areas
  • A systematic review analyzing global data, revealing inconsistent but potentially protective links between greenspace exposure and various cancer outcomes
  • The challenges of isolating environmental vs. lifestyle factors in cancer risk assessments
  • Why tree-filled environments might contribute to stress reduction, better air quality, and increased physical activity, all of which may influence long-term health outcomes
  • The importance of urban tree planning not only for ecology but for public health strategies

This episode highlights how trees may play a subtle but meaningful role in supporting human health—and how more research is needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential.

Background information:

  • O’Callaghan-Gordo et al. 2018. Residential proximity to green spaces and breast cancer risk_ The multicase-control study in Spain (MCC-Spain).pdf
  • Sakhvidi et al. 2022. Exposure to greenspace and cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality_ A systematic review and meta-analyses.pdf


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