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Breast Cancer Prevention
of Environmental Causes
Fewer than 10 percent of Breast Cancer s
are genetic. When all known risk factors and characteristics are added
together, including family history, genetics, smoking and obesity, more
than 50 percent of Breast Cancer cases remain unexplained. According to
State of the Evidence 2006 - What Is the Connection Between the
Environment and Breast Cancer ?”, a report which reviews and analyzes
nearly 350 journal-published scientific studies on environmental links to
Breast Cancer :
Over 100,000 synthetic chemicals are registered for use today in the
United States, with an additional 1,000 new chemicals added each year, yet
less than 10 percent of these chemicals have been tested for their effects
on human health. Large numbers of these chemicals are found in products we
come into contact with every day and compelling scientific evidence points
to these chemicals as contributing to the development of Breast Cancer ,
either by altering hormone function or gene expression
Many toxic chemicals are now credibly linked to serious chronic diseases
including Breast Cancer . Furthermore, new science demonstrates that even
very small amounts of some chemicals can have adverse health effects,
particularly in pregnant mothers, infants and small children. (See State
of the Evidence)
The Breast Cancer Fund suggests the following environmental prevention
methods:
Practice Healthy Purchasing: Don’t bring toxic chemicals home from the
store. Choose chlorine-free paper products to reduce dioxin, a carcinogen
released when chlorinated products are incinerated. Read food labels, and
choose pesticide-free, organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy
products. Replace harmful household cleaners that contain bleach with
cheaper, nontoxic alternatives like baking soda, borax soap and vinegar.
Look for alternatives to chemical weed and bug killers— many contain toxic
chemicals that accumulate in our bodies.
Use Caution with Plastics: Some plastics leach hormone-disrupting
chemicals called phthalates into the substances they touch. Polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) plastics release carcinogens into our air and water during
the production process. PVC plastics are especially dangerous in toys that
children put in their mouths, so keep an eye out for nontoxic toys.
Further, never put plastic or plastic wrap in the microwave, as this can
release phthalates into food and beverages.
Advocate for Clean Air: The soot and fumes released by factories,
automobiles, diesel trucks and tobacco products contain chemicals called
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are linked to Breast Cancer .
Indeed, breathing these compounds from secondhand tobacco smoke may
increase your risk for Breast Cancer more than active smoking. Stay away
from secondhand smoke, and advocate for stronger clean air protections.
Avoid Unnecessary Radiation: Ionizing radiation is a known cause of breast
cancer. Radiation damage to genes is cumulative over a lifetime—thus many
low doses may have the same effect as a single high dose. Mammograms,
other X-rays and CT scans expose you to radiation. While mammography
screening may benefit postmenopausal women, mammography for women in their
30s and 40s remains controversial. Whenever you have an X-ray or scan,
request a lead shield to protect the areas of your body not being X-rayed.
Explore Alternatives to Artificial Estrogens: Women who have prolonged
exposure to estrogens are at higher risk for Breast Cancer , and major
studies continue to show an increased risk when postmenopausal women use
hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women who use both birth control pills
and—later in life—HRT face an even greater risk of Breast Cancer than
those who use neither. Explore your options with healthcare professionals.
Advocate for Safe Cosmetics: Chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects
do not belong in cosmetics, period. However, some popular brands of
shampoo, deodorant, face cream and other everyday products contain these
dangerous chemicals. The Breast Cancer Fund demands safer products and
smarter laws by letting cosmetics companies know they need a makeover. The
public can join BCF in asking cosmetic companies to sign the Compact for
Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to substitute chemicals linked to birth defects,
infertility, cancer, brain damage and other serious health consequences
with safer alternatives.
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History of Breast Cancer
Types of Breast Cancer
Risk factors and etiology
Age
Alcohol
Environmental causes
Genes
Hormones
Light levels
Obesity
Unproven
Prevention in high-risk
individuals
Prevention of
Environmental Causes
Symptoms
Screening
Diagnosis
Treatment
Surgery
Radiation therapy
Indications for radiation
Types of radiotherapy
Side effects of
radiation
Systemic therapy
Chemotherapy
Hormonal treatment
Targeted therapy
Preclinical
Flax seeds
Alternative medicine
Prognosis
BreastCancer in Males
Spreading elsewhere
BreastCancer Awareness
References |
