October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special time to highlight the importance of recognizing breast cancer and promoting early detection along with research efforts.
This month reminds us to pay attention not just to screenings and treatments, but also to the everyday elements that can impact breast health.
One area that is receiving more focus is the impact of chemicals found in personal care items, including beauty products, deodorants, and fragrances, and their potential link to breast cancer risk. Substances like parabens and phthalates are known as xenoestrogens, which are endocrine disruptors that can imitate estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels are a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and parabens may also promote the growth of breast cells.
In a study, female participants stopped using personal care products containing parabens or phthalates for 28 days. Researchers collected fine needle aspirates from their breasts before and after the intervention. By analyzing the gene expression in these samples, they discovered a reversal of cancer-related characteristics in the breast cells of those who eliminated these products. Additionally, there was a decrease in parabens and phthalate metabolites found in the participants' urine.
The research titled “Reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reverses accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue of study subjects,” illustrates that minimizing exposure to hormonally active chemicals can lead to a reduction in cancer-associated traits at the cellular level. These findings highlight the potential to lower breast cancer risk by cutting back or eliminating certain chemical exposures.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are emphasizing the significance of being mindful of the products we use every day.
By opting for products free from parabens and phthalates, we can potentially lower the risk of breast cancer and enhance our overall health.
*Source: Reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reverses accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue of study subjects. Shanaz H Dairkee et al. Chemosphere. 2023 May; PMID: 36746253.
