- Everyday exposure to harmful chemicals, many found in common consumer products, can increase the risk of getting breast cancer.
- After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., diagnosed in people of all genders.
- Lowering your exposures to these chemicals can help reduce the risk.
- Early detection through regular screening is key to successful treatment.
Background
Cancer affects all communities. And breast cancer can occur in people of all genders.
The great news to celebrate this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is that, when an advanced level of care is available, treatment outcomes for breast cancer are good: The National Cancer Society says the five-year “relative survival rate” for all types and stages of breast cancer is 91 percent.
The treatment success rates go up for early stage cancer, to 99 percent, so it’s critical to identify your risk and communicate regularly with your care providers.
Why do we get cancer?
Cancer is the excessive multiplication of cells that can happen anywhere in the body, with some tissues such as breast and prostate especially susceptible to cancer development.
The National Cancer Institute calls it “a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.”
Environmental causes of breast cancer: What can I do to decrease my risk?
As described by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, breast cancer is caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental risk factors. It occurs most commonly in women. Men, transgender and gender-diverse patients also face the risk of this disease.
As a society, we may be able to control, and lower, some of these risk factors – for example, decreasing the exposure to chemicals that mimic reproductive hormone estrogen, known as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals include pesticides, phthalates, parabens, heavy metals, the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, and bisphenol A and its substitutes, all found in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products.
Some risk factors are far outside of our control – such as our genetic heritage, for instance. We can’t change our health history, some of which affects our chances of getting breast cancer. But it’s always good, at any time in life, to pivot to informed health choices.
Reducing your cumulative exposure to toxic chemicals
The National Institutes of Health define cumulative exposure as “the combination of risks posed by aggregate exposure to multiple agents or stressors,” that is, “exposure by all routes and pathways and from all sources….”
According to the World Health Organization, between a third and a half of cancers can be avoided by staying away from risk factors you can control and embracing cancer prevention steps as much as possible.
Risk factors to avoid – and cancer prevention steps to incorporate
Any reduction in risk, however small, is a boon to your health.
Chemicals linked to cancer risk can lurk in almost any everyday product you can imagine: candy, toys, clothes, hair dyes, pet food and more. Reducing your exposure to items that may contain harmful ingredients is a great way to safeguard your health.
It’s helpful to focus on the risk factors you can control, such as:
Exposure to toxic chemicals. Whether they’re in chemicals you use in your workplace or just a regular part of your own daily routine, your exposure to toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer can raise your risk.
Make it a priority to lower your exposure, whenever possible, to these chemicals. (And consult EWG’s tip sheet, “The Top 5 Cancer-Causing Chemicals to Avoid for Cancer Prevention.”)
- The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. These chemicals are known to cause an array of health harms, including breast cancer. Avoid nonstick cookware, and waterproof or wrinkle- and stain-resistant textiles, clothing and upholstery. To avoid personal care products that contain PFAS, consult our Skin Deep® database and steer clear of those labeled “long-lasting” and “waterproof.”
- Contaminants in your tap water, like PFAS, pesticides, arsenic and nitrate. Use EWG’s Tap Water Database to find out which cancer-causing chemicals may pollute your water, then consult our water filter buying guide to identify the one that will work best for what’s in your water. For those whose water is contaminated with PFAS, take a look at our special guide showing you which water filters can most effectively remove them.
- Pesticides in produce. Pesticides like atrazine can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer. To lower your exposure to these chemicals, choose organic whenever possible. Consult the Clean Fifteen™ and Dirty Dozen™ lists in our Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ to find out which fruits and vegetables are most and least contaminated with pesticides.
- Hair colorants and relaxers and dyes. Longer duration and earlier use of hair straighteners, as well as combining permanent hair dye and relaxers, are associated with breast tumor features that suggest a higher risk. EWG’s Skin Deep database rates nearly 100,000 personal care products in a simple, searchable online format, so you can find this kind of product without potentially unsafe ingredients.
Smoking. Smoking is a risk factor for breast cancer. It’s hard to quit, so if you can’t, consider trying to cut back.
Lack of physical activity. A brisk walk several times a week is a good way to start getting more exercise. Studies show people who get plenty of physical activity have a lower risk of cancer overall. Just getting out and walking is enough to improve your odds.
Alcohol. As Cleveland Clinic explains on its website, alcohol changes how the body processes estrogen, which can raise levels of the hormone. Those higher estrogen levels are linked to higher risk of breast cancer. Cutting back on alcohol consumption – or eliminating it altogether – can help lower the odds of getting cancer.
Unhealthy weight. Carrying excess weight is a risk factor for breast cancer, since body fat can cause growth hormones to increase and tell cells to divide more frequently. So do what you can to maintain a healthy weight.
Other important prevention steps to keep in mind
Schedule regular mammograms
Get your breasts checked annually to screen for breast cancer. Mammography has helped lower the mortality rate of breast cancer in the U.S. by about 40 percent since 1990.
Get to know your family history
Find out whether you have a family history of breast cancer, because if you fall into a higher risk category, you can take special care to protect yourself.
Women whose mother or sister has had breast or ovarian cancer, particularly at a young age, face a higher risk. Anyone with family members, including males, with breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, also has a higher risk.
If any of these family-related risk factors are true for you, you may want to be even more diligent about getting an annual mammogram.
Visit your primary care physician regularly
Schedule regular checkups and inform your primary care provider about changes to your health and about your family history of breast cancer.
