Ten Ways in Ten Days to Prevent Breast Cancer – Day 7

Avoid and limit your exposure to Xeno-Estrogens. 

What are Xeno-Estrogens? The word Xeno is derived from the Greek word – meaning foreign. These are chemicals and industrial pollutants that mimic the effects of estrogen on your body. Your body has many estrogen cell-receptor sites that operate like a lock and key mechanism. When your own estrogen comes in and binds to a receptor it creates an affect on your body by giving a certain signal (a chemical message). When xeno-estrogen, which mimics estrogen, occupies that cell-receptor site, it also creates an affect on your body by giving a signal. However, the signal given by the xeno-estrogen is not the same but, in fact, it is many times more powerful. Thus, the reaction in your body is going to be very different compared to your own estrogen chemical message.  

These xeno-estrogens are a major contributing factor leading to early puberty and many other disorders of the reproductive system.  Of course these foreign estrogens will have a huge deleterious effect on the breast tissue. It is no coincidence that the advent of use of xeno-estrogens in our environment about 70 years ago coincides with the sharp rise in breast cancer incidence. 

For your reference, I’m including a short list of environmental estrogens:

Atrazine is widely used as an herbicide to control broad-leaf weed species that grow in crops such as corn, sugarcane, hay and winter wheat. Atrazine is also applied to Christmas trees, residential lawns, golf courses, and other recreational areas.

BPA (Bisphenol A) is the monomer used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins used as a lining in most food and beverage cans. 

DDT ( Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) was used in pesticides for agriculture until it was banned in 1972 in the United States. Unfortunately, DDT continues to be used in many parts of the world for agricultural use, insect control and to fight the spread of malaria.

Dioxin, a group of highly toxic chemicals discharged into waterways from pulp and paper mills. Consumption of animal fat is the primary pathway for human exposure.

Endosulfan is an insecticide used on numerous vegetables, fruits, cereal grains and trees. Human exposure occurs through food consumption or ground and surface water contamination.

PBB (Polybrominated biphenyls) are chemicals added to plastics used in computer monitors, televisions, textiles and plastics foams to make them more difficult to burn.  Although manufacturing of PBBs in the United States stopped in 1976, since they do not degrade easily PBBs continue to be found in soil, water and air.

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) were manufactured primarily for use as insulating fluids and coolants given their chemical stability, low flammability and electrical insulating properties. PCBs were banned in 1979 but like DDT continue to persist in the environment.

Phthalates is used in flooring, wall coverings and medical device such as intravenous bags and tubing. Phthalates are found in perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, varnishes, lacquers and coatings including timed releases in pharmaceuticals.

Zeranol is currently used as a growth promoter for livestock in the USand Canada^. It has since been banned in the EU since 1985, but is still present as a contaminant in food through meat products. 

As you can see, xeno-estrogents are prevalent in our environment as they are present in our water supply, food chain, cosmetics, cooking utensils, cleaning agents, and the list goes on. We no longer live in a pristine environment and thus not only humans but also animals are affected by this rapid change of thousands of dangerous chemicals entering our daily lives. So, protect yourself from these dangerous substances as much as possible. Educate yourself about xeno-estogens and try to avoid them when possible.

Take charge of your health today, be proactive and help others to prevent breast cancer NOW!