10 Things I Would Avoid If I Wanted To Prevent Breast Cancer

1. Fragrance - “Fragrance/parfum” is a catch-all term that can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals (including known hormone disruptors called phthalates), some of which are linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and potential cancer risks in lab or animal studies. In short: it’s an unregulated mix of mystery ingredients with unclear safety. STUDY LINKED HERE. Fragrance is often found on the labels of beauty and personal care products, cleaning supplies, baby products, feminine hygiene products, and more. Check the labels of things in your home!

   
   

2. Polyester - Polyester is a synthetic plastic fiber made from petroleum. It often carries chemical additives (dyes, finishes, flame retardants, water repellents) that may leach out or be absorbed through skin or inhaled as dust / microfibers. These chemicals include known or suspected endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and agents that irritate the skin or respiratory system. Also, polyester sheds microplastics and microfibers which can persist in the body/environment. Plus, the production of polyester is highly toxic and exposes workers to extremely harmful chemicals. STUDY LINKED HERE. Products in your home that may be made of polyester: clothing, furniture, upholstery, bags and purses, and accessories. Check your labels!

   
   

3. Parabens - Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormones and influencing the development of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer. STUDY LINKED HERE. Parabens are most commonly found on ingredient lists of personal care and beauty products, cleaning supplies, and baby items. Check your ingredient labels!

   
   

4. Artificial dyes (red 40, yellow 5, etc) - Artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 (or anything starting with FD&C) are made from petroleum and can contain or break down into carcinogenic compounds (such as benzidine) and have been linked in some studies to tumor formation in animals and potential cancer risks in humans. STUDY LINKED HERE. Things in your home that likely contain artificial dyes: brightly colored foods and candies, supplements and medications, color cosmetics (lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow), personal care products, and cleaning supplies. Check your labels!

   
   

5. Alcohol - Even small amounts of alcohol can increase risk of cancer. For women, drinking just one alcoholic drink per day is associated with a 7–10% increase in breast cancer risk compared to non-drinkers. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Heavy drinkers have a significantly higher risk. Alcohol can raise estrogen levels, which can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer (particularly hormone receptor-positive breast cancers). It can also damage DNA in cells, which contributes to cancer development. STUDY LINKED HERE. I'm guessing you'd know if you have drinking alcohol in your home.

   
   

6. BPA - BPA (bisphenol A) is an endocrine disruptor that can mimic estrogen, potentially increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer. STUDY LINKED HERE. Things in your home that may contain BPA: canned goods, plastic water bottles and food storage containers, plastic wrap, coffee pods, receipts, plastic baby items.

   
   

7. Flame retardants - Some flame retardants are carcinogenic and can disrupt hormones, increasing the risk of cancers such as thyroid and breast cancer. STUDY LINKED HERE. Things in your home that may have flame retardants: upholstered furniture, mattresses, carseats, carpets and carpet padding, curtains and drapes, strollers.

   
   

8. PVC/vinyl plastic - PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic can release carcinogenic chemicals like vinyl chloride and dioxins, increasing the risk of liver and other cancers. PVC is also usually made with phthalates, a group of known endicrine disruptors that are linked to increased cancer risk. STUDY LINKED HERE. Items in your home that may be made from PVC: shower curtains, air mattresses, rain jackets, window blinds, floor mats, wallpaper and wall decals, mattress protectors, vegan leather.

   
   

9. PFAS - PFAS can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone function and potentially increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers like breast cancer. STUDY LINKED HERE. Things in your home that likely contain PFAS: nonstick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes, paper plates and bowls, anything fabric that is labeled "waterproof" or "water resistant," upholstered fabric, snow pants, synthetic yoga pants and leggings, personal care and beauty products, drinking water.

   
   

10. Triclosan - Triclosan mimics estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors in breast tissue, potentially stimulating the growth of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells and increasing cancer risk. STUDY LINKED HERE. Things in your home that may contain triclosan: oral care products, acne treatments and medicated soaps, antibacterial personal care products, cleaning supplies, things in your kitchen or laundry room labeled "germ resistant" or "odor-fighting."

So what SHOULD you be buying, if you're trying to avoid all of these things??

1. Personal care products that are free from artificial fragrance, parabens, artificial dyes, PFAS, and triclosan. If you'd like to learn within 20 minutes how to read the ingredient labels on your personal care products, and want non toxic swaps for all the personal care and beauty products your entire family uses, grab a copy of my guide, OrganiBeauty - I've done all the work for you already!

2. Cleaning supplies, furniture, kitchen supplies, and home goods that are free from artificial fragrance, polyester, parabens, artificial dyes, BPA, flame retardants, PVC, PFAS, and triclosan. If you'd like nearly 100 low tox swaps for all of these categories in your home, be sure to snag a copy of my guide, OrganiHome!

3. Baby supplies that won't expose your little one to artificial fragrance, polyester, parabens, artificial dyes, BPA, flame retardants, PVC, and PFAS. If you want my help creating a completely toxin free baby registry that is free from all of these toxins, grab a copy of OrganiBaby!

4. Clothing that won't expose you or your family to toxins found in polyester (or other plastic fibers like nylon, spandex, and acrylic), flame retardants, or PFAS. If you'd like to learn how to curate a wardrobe of clothing for your whole family from safe, natural fibers, check out my guide OrganiWear.

5. Medicines and supplements that won't expose you to unnecessary doses of artificial dyes or toxins like PFAS. If you'd like to know exactly what medications and remedies our naturally-minded family keeps on hand, grab a copy of my newest and simplest guide, The OrganiMama's Holistic Medicine Cabinet.

There may not be a cure yet for breast cancer, but there is plenty of evidence-based information out there to help us significantly reduce our risk of breast cancer by making wise decisions as consumers. Low tox living isn't just a gimmick - it's actually the smartest way to live if you want to lessen your chance of cancer.