Breast Cancer - What You Need to Know About Prevention:
By Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer
We all know someone affected by breast cancer and it accounts for 30% of new cancer diagnosis each year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women second only to skin cancer. Did you know that most breast cancer diagnosis occur over the age of 45 with age 62 being the most common age? Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women behind lung cancer.
Symptoms to watch for include: a new lump or thickening in a breast or underarm area, a change in shape of the breast, skin changes, dimpling, redness, nipple changes, warmth, or swelling and of course new pain. Women can do monthly self-exams to remain familiar with their bodies and be able to notice any of these changes. Women over age 50 should have yearly screenings and women under age 40 with high risk should discuss screening with a provider. Early screening and prevention are our best defense. Screenings include mammogram, physical exam, in some cases genetic testing, MRI or ultrasound.
We have seen an increase of diagnosis in women under age 50. Why? Hormone (endocrine) disruptors and stress could be factors. Hormone disruptors are found in many products from building supplies to fragrances to prescription medications. These chemicals disrupt our hormonal balance, which in kind, messes with our health and increases our risk for developing cancer. According to a recent Danish study, NIH published the following conclusions: “Our results suggest that women should avoid high-level exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), such as through long-term treatment with pharmaceuticals formulated with dibutyl phthalate.”
What is a phthalate?
The EPA.gov site states that DBP (dibutyl phthalate) is used to help make plastics soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in shower curtains, raincoats, food wraps, bowls, car interiors, vinyl fabrics, floor tiles, nail polish, hair products, many fragrances and even medications. In fact, the EPA found high levels detected in air samples near New York City and high levels are also found in farmed land and wild fisheries. Northern Maine farms are dealing with this very issue. These “forever chemicals” remain in soil and make the land toxic for years. Tests are available that can detect DBP in blood and body tissues, and the major breakdown products of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) can also be measured in urine.
Although it is scary to think that we are surrounded by such toxins, there are ways to lower your exposure. Replace your plastic storage containers with non-plastic material such as glass or stainless steel. Use wood or steel cooking utensils (non-plastic) and get rid of nonstick cookware. Cast iron is making a comeback for nonstick options and a good friend said, “it isn’t hoarding if they are mason jars.” Look for natural hygiene products without phthalates or fragrance (or use that contain essential oil for fragrance). Purchase BPA-free plastics and use essential oils instead of toxic room/car fresheners. Beeswax and soy candles using natural scents are safer this holiday season. I love giving candles and this year I will only gift natural soy, beeswax with natural fragrances. Try to use less plastic wrap…have you tried Beeswax wraps? These are made with cotton fabric coated with beeswax (which is naturally antimicrobial!) and it keeps food fresh longer than plastic wrap! You just wrap it around your food and use your hands to mold it to the food. Very cool! Find them at www.beeswrap.com.
Sadly, 1 in 2 women do not get yearly screenings and we know early diagnosis saves lives. Contact your provider to schedule your screenings and learn about your risks. Please urge your friends and loved ones to get screened.
In October, the “Pink Ribbon Campaign” reminds us to support, fund, access care and reach out to volunteer with a local charity or center. In Maine there are several fundraising events throughout the year hosted by the Maine Cancer Foundation including Tri For A Cure and the Sugarloaf Charity Summit. Locally we have the Turkey Trot For Hope in November hosted by The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine. This wonderful local resource provides aid and resources to our local cancer community. They are looking for volunteers and registration to take part is open on the website at https://www.crcofwm.org.
By Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer
We all know someone affected by breast cancer and it accounts for 30% of new cancer diagnosis each year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women second only to skin cancer. Did you know that most breast cancer diagnosis occur over the age of 45 with age 62 being the most common age? Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women behind lung cancer.
Symptoms to watch for include: a new lump or thickening in a breast or underarm area, a change in shape of the breast, skin changes, dimpling, redness, nipple changes, warmth, or swelling and of course new pain. Women can do monthly self-exams to remain familiar with their bodies and be able to notice any of these changes. Women over age 50 should have yearly screenings and women under age 40 with high risk should discuss screening with a provider. Early screening and prevention are our best defense. Screenings include mammogram, physical exam, in some cases genetic testing, MRI or ultrasound.
We have seen an increase of diagnosis in women under age 50. Why? Hormone (endocrine) disruptors and stress could be factors. Hormone disruptors are found in many products from building supplies to fragrances to prescription medications. These chemicals disrupt our hormonal balance, which in kind, messes with our health and increases our risk for developing cancer. According to a recent Danish study, NIH published the following conclusions: “Our results suggest that women should avoid high-level exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), such as through long-term treatment with pharmaceuticals formulated with dibutyl phthalate.”
What is a phthalate?
The EPA.gov site states that DBP (dibutyl phthalate) is used to help make plastics soft and flexible. Phthalates are used in shower curtains, raincoats, food wraps, bowls, car interiors, vinyl fabrics, floor tiles, nail polish, hair products, many fragrances and even medications. In fact, the EPA found high levels detected in air samples near New York City and high levels are also found in farmed land and wild fisheries. Northern Maine farms are dealing with this very issue. These “forever chemicals” remain in soil and make the land toxic for years. Tests are available that can detect DBP in blood and body tissues, and the major breakdown products of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) can also be measured in urine.
Although it is scary to think that we are surrounded by such toxins, there are ways to lower your exposure. Replace your plastic storage containers with non-plastic material such as glass or stainless steel. Use wood or steel cooking utensils (non-plastic) and get rid of nonstick cookware. Cast iron is making a comeback for nonstick options and a good friend said, “it isn’t hoarding if they are mason jars.” Look for natural hygiene products without phthalates or fragrance (or use that contain essential oil for fragrance). Purchase BPA-free plastics and use essential oils instead of toxic room/car fresheners. Beeswax and soy candles using natural scents are safer this holiday season. I love giving candles and this year I will only gift natural soy, beeswax with natural fragrances. Try to use less plastic wrap…have you tried Beeswax wraps? These are made with cotton fabric coated with beeswax (which is naturally antimicrobial!) and it keeps food fresh longer than plastic wrap! You just wrap it around your food and use your hands to mold it to the food. Very cool! Find them at www.beeswrap.com.
Sadly, 1 in 2 women do not get yearly screenings and we know early diagnosis saves lives. Contact your provider to schedule your screenings and learn about your risks. Please urge your friends and loved ones to get screened.
In October, the “Pink Ribbon Campaign” reminds us to support, fund, access care and reach out to volunteer with a local charity or center. In Maine there are several fundraising events throughout the year hosted by the Maine Cancer Foundation including Tri For A Cure and the Sugarloaf Charity Summit. Locally we have the Turkey Trot For Hope in November hosted by The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine. This wonderful local resource provides aid and resources to our local cancer community. They are looking for volunteers and registration to take part is open on the website at https://www.crcofwm.org.