This millennium has offered us many undreamed-of technologies, microscopic and robotic surgeries, and incredible cures, but it also comes with a big package of undesirables and setbacks like global warming, environmental toxins, and bundles of modern-age diseases. Everyday we get bombarded with unexpected carcinogens. We are totally surrounded. Oblivious of such exposure, we take in dangerous amounts of toxins through our diet, water, air, radiation, car exhaust, chemical fumes, beauty and baby care products, cleaning agents, home appliances, toys, cooking utensils, hormones, and drugs. Only when stricken by cancer, do we start looking for perpetrators. Today, I shall explore some seemingly-innocuous contributors to breast cancer. You may recognize some; others will become eye-openers for you in the future.
Radiation is probably the most known culprit across the board. Cumulative lifetime exposure to X-rays (CT scans, mammograms) is a contributing factor to breast cancer. Though mammograms can be life-savers because of early detection, repetitive exposure to radio-activity can become a cause. You must have heard of the cancer aftermath of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and the Chernobyl disaster.
Hormones (artificial) prescribed to younger women as birth control pills or as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal woman have escalated breast cancer risk to higher levels in the recent years. Because of their direct relationship with breast cancer, vascular disease, and strokes, hormones should be prescribed with care, follow-up, and for short periods to minimize cancer risk.
Pesticides, insecticides, and chemicals mimic estrogen (xenoestrogen) through the ingestion of sprayed produce and animal meat treated with hormones. Such accumulation in the body encourages the development of breast cancer. Other xenoestrogens are phthalates and parabens in beauty (lipstick, creams, nail polish) and baby care products and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in water pipes, water-proofed fabrics, kitchenware (non-stick pans), food plastic wraps, baby toys, plastic water and baby bottles, and oil containers. PVC leaches heavy metals (cadmium, lead) as well as cancer-causing chemicals (phthalates, dioxin). Xenoestrogens amplify the effects of estrogen, alter its molecular makeup and production, and boost its circulation, thus increasing cancer risk.
To minimize xenoestrogen intake, buy organically-grown produce and wash them thoroughly. Look for green beauty and baby products on the Internet. For cooking, use stainless and cast iron utensils. Avoid plastic wraps touching food and use waxed paper and glass bottles and jars instead. Plastic water bottles should not be reused or exposed to the sun and heat.
Chlorine in tap water and chlorinated coffee filters, tissue paper, and paper towels can affect the glandular system, thus raising breast cancer risk. The chemical is included in bleaches (hair, fabric), paints, and cleaning agents. To filter water, get yourself activated carbon filters. Do not swallow swimming pool water. Buy chlorine-free paper towels, paper tissues, and less noxious cleaning products. The Internet provides useful information.
Antibiotics are also cancer triggers. Frequent doses of antibiotics during a woman’s lifetime (during childhood as well) raise breast cancer risk. Hence, women and parents of young children should not rush into taking or giving antibiotics to their children unless it is necessary. Young girls should not be exposed to antibiotics, toxins, estrogens, or xenoestrogens (cosmetics) in order to protect their endocrinal system.
Trans fats and high heat frying produce carcinogens. Recent researches show that carcinogens emerge with excessively heated fat. A safe way is to minimize the consumption of such foods and the use of such cooking methods.
Excess body fat helps toxin storage and converts innocuous hormones into estrogen. Studies have linked breast cancer to high body fat in postmenopausal women. Thus, less fat and carbohydrate intake keeps the body leaner and lighter.
Exercising is an optimum way to keep lean, energetic, and disease-free. Regular brisk walking or other aerobic training can lower cancer risk even for those with genetic dispositions.
Stress is detrimental to health and particularly to women whose bodies are not as well equipped to desist it like men. Long-term exposure to stress hormones results in cancer. Stress can be controlled by therapeutic exercises like yoga and Tai chi, meditation, and prayer.
Deep-colored fruits and vegetables contain nutrients and antioxidants (bioflavonoids, carotenoids, enzymes), which detoxify the body from environmental toxins, bolster the immune system, and support health and wellness. Calcium and vitamin D and C are essential to keep bones strong and organs and body systems in balance. Try to avoid fried, fatty, and processed foods, chemical additives and preservatives, and sugar laden sodas and drinks as well as alcohol. They obstruct the efficiency of certain nutrients (folate, carotenoids, and vitamin C). Women do not metabolize alcohol as well as men do.
To minimize exposure to toxins and their effects (car exhaust, noxious paint, chemical fumes, insecticides), you should surround yourself with house plants, trees, and flowers. They detoxify the environment, purify the air, and beautify the surrounding. Look into safer cosmetics and baby products. Eat organic and healthy. Become an aware and savvy consumer. Better safe than sorry!