Breast Cancer and Toxins: Awareness and Action

Is there a link between toxins in the environment and breast cancer? The information is still emerging on the exact links between toxins and the development of breast cancer. One thing that makes this research difficult is that none of us is exposed to just one toxic chemical. The few studies that exist look at the effects of one substance on the human body. However, we are exposed to many different chemicals. Out of a shocking 100,000 chemicals in our world including pesticides, plastics and solvents, only 10% have been studied for human safety. Almost no studies have been done to ask how exposure to multiple chemicals might impact health.

Just a few of the substances to be aware of are pesticides in our fruits and vegetables, plastics in the form of food wraps and plastic containers, cosmetics which contain softeners called pthalates, and ingredients in shampoos and body lotions called methylparabens. When these poisons gain entry to the body through the mouth, nose, or skin, they unfortunately do not leave the body very easily. Many of these are “fat soluble”, meaning they are easily stored away in fat tissue and accumulate in our body over time. This is called toxic load or body burden.

Could the build up of these toxins result in an amount that could really be significant? A recent study of the umbilical cord blood of newborn infants found on average 200 industrial chemicals per infant present in each sample of the cord blood! This represents the unfortunate results of the mother’s body burden, which is in some part being passed to her new born baby.

If you are a survivor of breast cancer, or a loved one concerned with prevention, this is likely not the first time you have heard mention of risks in the environment. I could discuss many toxins in our world, but there is one group that is particularly significant with regard to breast cancer. This is a group of substances known as “endocrine disruptors.”

An endocrine disruptor is a synthetic chemical that can mimic hormones and interrupt the body’s normal functions. One possible result is an increase in estrogen levels. These increasing levels of estrogen are known to have a strong correlation with the development of breast cancer. As an example of an endocrine disruptor, consider parabens and methylparabens, which are used in many cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products.

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found a high concentration of parabens in human breast tumors. Dr Philippa Darbre from Reading University, who conducted the study, looked at 20 human breast tumors, measuring the concentration of parabens in the tissue. Her team found that the chemicals were present in a form suggesting that their route of entry was topical, through the skin, rather than oral, as originally thought.

Dr Darbre said: "Parabens are used as preservatives in thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products, but this is the first study to show their accumulation in human tissues. It demonstrates if people are exposed to these chemicals, then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies." She added: "Parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen and estrogen can drive the growth of human breast tumors”.

Since I have discussed quite a few potential exposures and explained their ability to harm, I would like to give you some empowering advice for avoidance and action. Here are 5 such suggestions that can go a long way to making a difference in a woman’s life.

Produce Pesticides are also endocrine disruptors. We are exposed to them frequently when we eat conventional produce. So, which fruits and vegetables and the most heavily sprayed? Go to Environmental Working Group (Click the link “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides) for the list of 12 types of produce that contain the most pesticides and the 12 that contain the least. For example, I would avoid conventional strawberries. They are on the list of the most heavily sprayed fruits. Mangoes, on the other hand, are among the list of least sprayed fruit. I would recommend purchasing organic for everything, but when it is not possible, this allows you to pick and choose.

CosmeticsI recently made a checked out some of my own beloved bath and body products at Environmental Working Group They have a powerful link that allows you to find out what is in practically any cosmetic or body product. So, I checked on my Aveda Sap Moss shampoo. Though Aveda should be praised for removing pthalates from all of their products (see NotToPretty.com ), my favorite Sap Moss still contains the harmful methylparabens. Try entering one of your own products into this unique search engine and see what pops up. Knowledge is power.

Meat Whether you choose to eat meat or not is a very personal choice. There are many different aspects of health to discuss here, like which meat promotes inflammation in the body, but let’s stay with the topic at hand. Pesticides and hormones in the meat supply can have these same endocrine disrupting effects that we have been discussing. It is very important, then to eat meat that is organic. Organic meat is free from hormones, antibiotics and pesticides.

Plastics Where are plastics in your world? Doesn’t the presence of all things plastic seem incredibly pervasive? When was the last time you encountered a soft drink in a glass bottle? What about ketchup or mayonnaise? Plastics have taken over our world. Are they safe? Recent research is reporting the answer for many types of plastics is a resounding “no!”

Two important chemicals in plastics to avoid are pthalates (see NotToPretty.com ) and polycarbonate plastic (contains bisphenol A). To simplify this, avoid plastics with the following recycle numbers: #3, #6, and #7. One of the most shocking discoveries I have made in recent months is about polycarbonate plastic. This is a hard plastic used in the popular Nalgene bottles. The manufacturers and distributors claimed the plastic did not leach but the claim turns out to be false. Bisphenol A, contained in polycarbonate plastic appears to act as an endocrine disruptor.

Cleansing and Detoxification As you learn more about endocrine disruptors, you may become concerned because of what you have been exposed to over time. Each one of us has an accumulate “bucket” of toxins from a lifetime of exposure. Instead of allowing the bucket to overflow, and lead to health problems, consider participating in a cleansing program. A cleansing program allows you to reduce the toxic load, or bucket, in your body. It is specifically designed to clear toxins out of the body through different supplements and practices like breathing exercises, lymphatic stretches, juices, saunas and more. Read more about cleansing programs at my website. NW Center for Cleansing & Rejuvenation

Dr. Ariel Policano is a naturopathic physician. She specializes in environmental medicine, chronic illness and cleansing programs. She also educates the public about toxins in the environment, as well as the benefits of cleansing, and provides training in whole and living foods preparation. See more information at her website, NW Center for Cleansing & Rejuvenation or call her at (503) 892-0500.