Breast Cancer

My mother is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed almost 3 years ago and had a short but intense round of chemotherapy. She’s doing very well, and has had a clean bill of health for going on 2 years. I can’t begin to describe the effect it’s had on my life let alone hers. Once this disease gets close to you, it never really goes away. My mom is extraordinarily strong and since the diagnosis she’s been able to move forward with her life….. and so have I.

These days it seems that every time I stumble upon information pertaining to or playing a part in furthering our awareness about breast cancer, I jump at the opportunity to read it. There are various small adjustments we can make in our day to day routine to improve and maintain our health that don’t interfere with our general enjoyment of life. For example, by switching out certain cosmetics for more “green” and healthy alternatives, we can trim the fat……so to speak, and perhaps prevent complications in the future.

Having said all that, I came across a small, yet gem of a publication specifically dedicated to Breast Cancer patients, survivors, and all those affected by the disease. The writer, Julia Chiappetta, also a Breast Cancer survivor, collaborated with an Oncologist, Dr. Merrick I. Ross, M.D., F.A.C.S, and wrote Breast Cancer The Notebook. It’s a comprehensive and simple way to get as much information about Breast Cancer, treatments, healthy living suggestions and maintenance into one place as possible. She covers all the bases including information on certain chemicals in cosmetics to avoid as well as clarifying why we should really try to stay away from antiperspirant deodorants.

“Antiperspirants contain chemicals and toxins that are absorbed into your body in your armpit area and may cause a concentration of toxins that lead to cell mutations.” Julia Chiapetta

Most antiperspirants contain aluminum.

“Despite its natural abundance, aluminum has no known function in living cells and presents some toxic effects in elevated concentrations. Its toxicity can be traced to deposition in bone and the central nervous system, which is particularly increased in patients with reduced renal function. Because aluminum competes with calcium for absorption, increased amounts of dietary aluminum may contribute to the reduced skeletal mineralization (osteopenia) observed in preterm infants and infants with growth retardation. In very high doses, aluminum can cause neurotoxicity, and is associated with altered function of the blood-brain barrier.[61] A small percentage of people are allergic to aluminium and experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, vomiting or other symptoms upon contact or ingestion of products containing aluminium, such as deodorants or antacids. In those without allergies, aluminium is not as toxic as heavy metals, but there is evidence of some toxicity if it is consumed in excessive amounts.[62] Although the use of aluminium cookware has not been shown to lead to aluminium toxicity in general, excessive consumption of antacids containing aluminium compounds and excessive use of aluminium-containing antiperspirants provide more significant exposure levels. Studies have shown that consumption of acidic foods or liquids with aluminium significantly increases aluminium absorption,[63] and maltol has been shown to increase the accumulation of aluminium in nervous and osseus tissue.[64] Furthermore, aluminium increases estrogen-related gene expression in human breast cancer cells cultured in the laboratory.[65] The estrogen-like effects of these salts have led to their classification as a metalloestrogen. “ Internet research

I know it’s a difficult concept, especially in a city like New York where you’re running around all day, to consider switching from antiperspirant to regular deodorant but here’s why it should be something to think about. Let me explain by summarizing what Julia Chiappetta has written:

Armpits are one of four areas in our body where toxins are released in the form of sweat. Armpits are also the closest of these areas to our breasts. If we clog that area with an antiperspirant, we are literally stopping the natural occurrence of toxin release. Therefore the toxins build up and deposit themselves throughout the body, most commonly in the lymph nodes that are closest to the armpit. To quote Julia Chiappetta, “ A high percentage of breast cancer tumors are found in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area because about 80% of breast tissue is located in that area.”

There are a few chemicals found in cosmetics that I was unfamiliar with that Julia Chiappetta lists as ingredients to avoid:

To quote:

“ Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
These are the most commonly used as preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10 degrees.

PVP/VA Copolymer
A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wave sets and other cosmetics.

Triethanolamine
Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH level, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base, for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time. “

I’d like to thank Julia Chiappetta and her collaborators for this book. It is a great resource for so many people and it’s accessible, not too clinical. Here’s the website for the book:
www.breastcancer-thenotebook.com

and just a reminder, from her and from me….please read your labels! Make sure you know as much as you can about the ingredients you are ingesting and absorbing everyday…..