10 Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer – Part 3
Filed Under Breast Health |
3. Limit your exposure to xenoestrogens
Xeno-estrogens include ethinyl estradiol used in contraceptives; methoxychlor, a pesticide that replaced the well known DDT; industrial pollutants such as bisphenol-A, used as a plasticizer; all man-made radiation; pesticides and herbicides; and many toxic cleaning products that mimic estrogen with their molecular structure.
Since hormone-disrupting chemicals mimic estrogen, it is suspected they are linked to the growing incidence of breast cancer. While researchers are only beginning to understand the health effects of these chemicals, they have already observed that hormone disruptions can result in damage to the brain, as well as the immune and reproductive systems. Very few ingredients are tested for reproductive or developmental effects caused by hormone-disrupting chemicals.
• Purchase non-bleached coffee filters, paper, napkins, toilet tissue, etc. The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has determined that using bleached coffee filters alone can result in a lifetime exposure to dioxin that exceeds acceptable risks. Ask for office paper products whitened without chlorine.
• Use tampons and sanitary napkins made of organic cotton without chlorine. The FDA detected dioxins and dozens of other substances in conventional tampons. Look for ones that contain no chlorine, fragrance, wax, surfactants, rayon, etc.
• Do not use chlorine bleach for household cleaning or laundry. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe alternative; it breaks down to water and oxygen. Bleaches made from hydrogen peroxide are sold in health food stores.
• Use non-toxic household products. Lysol disinfectant spray may contain ortho-phenylphenol. This germ-killer is carcinogenic, according to both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and IARC. You can find non-toxic products in your health food store. The Cancer Prevention Coalition provides well researched information on avoidable exposures to consumers, environmental risks, and many other topic-related publications and resources at www.preventcancer.com.
• Use only natural underarm deodorants that are free of dangerous chemicals. Avoid antiperspirants, which contain aluminum; aluminum is toxic. In fact, one should avoid antiperspirants altogether, as they inhibit detoxification of the breasts and chest area. Underarm perspiration is an important way the body clears toxins out of the breast area.
• Avoid fluoridated toothpaste. Toothpaste without fluoride and containing natural ingredients may be purchased at most health food stores. Avoid fluoridated water and all chemically treated tap water. Drink filtered water, not “city water” that contains chlorine, or get a whole house filter. Bathe or shower in “clean” water. Fluoride can be just as poisonous as lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. For more information on the effects of fluoride visit www.fluoridealert.org, an international coalition to end water fluoridation and alert people to fluoride’s health and environmental risks.
• Many cosmetic products (including lipstick) contain lead and xenoestrogens. Brands without these suspect chemicals include Aubrey Organics, Dr. Hauschka, Logona and Weleda (just to name a few), as well as many health food store brands.
• Synthetic hair dyes increase the risk for certain types of cancers. One-fifth of cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among women are linked to hair dye use. Researchers conducting the study at the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona analyzed data from six European countries and found a 19 percent increase of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases among people who said they used hair dye. The risk increased to 26 percent for those who colored their hair 12 or more times a year. Indeed, more than a dozen studies link hair dyes with cancer, yet there are no warning labels of this hazard on these products. Certain natural dyes may be safer because they use vegetable colors. “Behind The Label” articles at www.theecologist.org provide comprehensive information about various ingredients used in coloring agents and cosmetics.
Dr. Alex Mostovoy
