We are right in the middle of October, you know, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we thought we would offer our readers tips on how to prevent breast cancer rather than focusing on finding or detecting cancer.
These tips come from the organization called Breast Cancer Fund. This organization works to move the conversation from awareness of breast cancer to the prevention of the disease. These tips can help shift an individual from a position of awareness to one of personal action and empowerment.
1. Lower your exposure to medical radiation
Although X-rays and CT scans can give critical information for diagnosing medical problems, exposure to this kind of radiation is the longest and most firmly established environmental cause of breast cancer. Keep a record of your medical radiation exposure and discuss with your medical care team whether or not the tests are necessary and whether there may be alternative tests that don’t use radiation, such as an MRI or ultrasound.2. If you eat meat, choose hormone-free
The synthetic growth hormone Zeranol is one of the most widely used chemicals in the U.S. beef industry, even though it’s been banned in the European Union since 1989. It mimics estrogen and studies have shown cancer cells exposed to Zeranol-treated beef show significant increases in cancer growth.3. Choose organic fruits and veggies—avoid pesticides
Pesticides are formulated with the intent of destroying pests—it’s no wonder that they’re harmful to our health as well. Studies have shown that some herbicides and pesticides stimulate growth of breast cancer cells or cause mammary cancer in rats. Therefore, you should go for certified organic produce, which is grown without toxic pesticides and herbicides.4. Choose cleaning products that tell you what’s in them…or make your own
Ever notice that those strong-smelling window cleaners and scouring powders you use don’t list ingredients on their labels? That’s because no law requires manufacturers to do so, even though these products often contain chemicals linked to breast cancer and other serious health problems. Look for products made by companies that voluntarily disclose ingredients, or learn how to make your own. A little bit of baking soda and vinegar will go a long way.5. Ditch your Teflon pots and pans
Although there’s no denying they make our life easier, nonstick pans and stain-resistant materials can contain toxic perfluorinated chemicals. These endocrine disruptors have been associated with delayed menstruation, later breast development and increased incidence of breast cancer. Alternatives include anodized aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron.6. Avoid toxic kids PJs
Even though some flame retardants have been phased out of kids pajamas, these harmful ingredients have been replaced with other dangerous chemicals. Stay away from PJs labeled “flame resistant,” and pick snug-fitting alternatives that provide fire safety without toxic chemicals.7. Don’t be fooled by “natural” claims on beauty products
The beauty industry is virtually unregulated in the U.S., and many toxic chemicals can be found in the most common of makeup, shampoos, lotions and other personal care products. A claim of “organic” or “natural ingredients” still leaves plenty of room for harmful ingredients.8. Avoid canned foods
While the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) has been banned from baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging, it is still widely used to line food cans. More than 300 laboratory and human studies have linked low levels of BPA exposure to a staggering number of health problems, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, infertility, early puberty, and diabetes. Even minuscule amounts have been shown to disrupt normal prenatal development. Avoid canned foods and learn more.9. Find safe ways to fight germs
Triclosan was initially developed as a surgical scrub for medical professionals, but in recent years it has been added to a host of consumer products, from kitchen cutting boards to shoes. Triclosan in cosmetics, antibacterial soaps and body washes may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Endocrine disruption, allergies, organ system toxicity are among the additional health concerns associated with this prevalent chemical.10. Know your plastics
Plastic is everywhere—it’s used in consumer products and packaging of all kinds, but there are serious risks to human health and the environment from its widespread use. Vinyl Chloride was one of the first chemicals designated a known human carcinogen. Yet it’s still used in food packaging, medical products, appliances, cars and more. Avoid plastics that contain phthalates, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which often has the recycling code 3.Wishing you a happy autumn!
Yours in prevention,
Lynda and Brenda
