To prevent breast cancer, know what puts you at risk

<p>Preventing disease is always better than treating it, and nowhere is this more true than when it comes to cancer.</p><p>Once the diagnosis of cancer has been made, lives are forever changed. Breast cancer affects more women in the world than any other type of cancer except skin cancer, and although it is not completely preventable, girls and women can certainly reduce their risk. Once again, knowledge is power.</p><p>Women often feel a false sense of security because no one in their family has had breast cancer, but they may not realize that fewer than 10 percent of current breast cancer diagnoses are caused by inherited breast cancer genes. The likelihood of developing breast cancer in all women is greatly influenced by something beyond genetics.</p><p>The only clearly proven cause of breast cancer is radiation. This can come from nuclear power plants and medical procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, radiation therapy and fluoroscopy.</p><p>Research also strongly suggests environmental links to breast cancer: exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, alcohol, cigarette smoke and even high-fat diets. Many of the chemicals in our environment are stored in our body's fatty tissue, and because breasts contain mostly fat, they are targets for these chemicals.</p><p>The Silent Spring Institute in Massachusetts recently released a survey identifying 216 chemical and radiation sources that are recognized by national and international regulatory agencies as being suspicious for raising the risk of breast cancer.</p><p>These can cause cancer by damaging breast cell DNA or other cellular processes. The list includes industrial solvents used in manufacturing, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), food packaging, toys, water pipes, vehicle exhaust, some cosmetics, pesticides and some dyes.</p><p>It is unrealistic to expect to avoid all of the more than 80,000 synthetic chemicals currently in use in the United States, but we can make choices for less harmful alternatives whenever possible.</p><p>What follows is a partial list of recommendations for reducing the risk of breast cancer, and for possibly reducing the risks of other types of cancers, too.</p><p>We should not live in fear of our environment, but we can educate ourselves and make appropriate choices for a longer, healthier life. You may want to go to the Web sites provided in the accompanying box for a more complete list of suggestions for staying healthy in our complex industrialized society.</p><p>Even a small change in your lifestyle today could prevent a cancer in your or your children's future.</p><p>Avoid hair products containing estrogen, placental extracts or other hormonal additives.</p><p>If you need to use hormones after menopause for quality of life, use the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time.</p><p>Check labels on all personal care products and avoid products that list parabens or phthalates (nail polish) and diphthalate (perfumes). Consider using products recommended at www.safecosmetics.org.</p><p>Before having a mammogram, check that the facility is fully licensed and that the equipment has been recently inspected. Ask how much radiation you will receive and if it is above 0.2 rads, consider finding another place to have your test done.</p><p>If you or your child have a medical condition that requires radiation for either therapy or screening, ask if there are alternative approaches or ways to minimize radiation exposure.</p><p>Always insist on wearing a lead apron when getting X-rays, even of areas that seem to be a distance from your breasts and abdomen, like arms, feet and teeth.</p><p>Try to avoid household cleaners that have alkylphenols, phthalates or phosphates in them. These are rarely listed on household product labels, so either call the company for this information, use "green" products, or use homemade cleaners that you know are safe: baking powder, pure soap, washing soda and plain vinegar.</p><p>Practice safe microwaving and avoid unnecessary exposure to plastics</p><p>Avoid fire retardants in furniture and clothing. Buy products made of fibers that are naturally fire resistant.</p><p>Limit your exposure to aluminum often found in antiperspirants, antacids and buffered aspirin.</p><p>If your dry cleaner still uses PERC, try to find a cleaner that uses a healthier process. Clothes cleaned with PERC should be removed from the plastic sleeve and aired outside before wearing.</p><p>Dr. Stacey Kerr, a longtime Sonoma County family physician, graduated from UC Davis Medical School and is certified in her specialty by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for hands-on medical advice or treatment. Consult your health care provider before adhering to any recommendations in this column. E-mail comments to drkerr@the-doctors-inn.com.</p>