Cinco Vidas

Aluminum and breast cancer. It’s been a question for many years. Does the aluminum content in deodorants somehow encourage breast cancer?

No study has been absolutely conclusive yet, but they’re getting closer. In 2007, the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry reported that, after testing 17 tissue samples collected from breast cancer patients, “the aluminum content was higher in the outer regions of the breast, in close proximity to the area where there would be the highest density of antiperspirant.”

Another study in 2004 linked underarm shaving and deodorant use to an increased risk of cancer. (more…)

As we discussed in previous posts, we can’t stress enough how important it is to choose products that are free of toxins. This is a crucial step in protecting your body and skin while dealing with cancer, because your skin has become so fragile and sensitive. But did you know that the container the product comes in can be dangerous and toxic too? Product packaging is an extremely important (although often overlooked) factor in protecting your health while preventing, fighting or recovering from cancer. (more…)

Stacy Malkan is a hard-working advocate for toxin-free products.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Toxic ingredients in your everyday beauty products can be extremely dangerous to your health. Recovering and fighting cancer patients are already dealing with fragile immune systems and symptoms of sickness on a daily basis, so why add toxic exposure to the mix? (more…)

Although many of us love sporting signature colognes to smell unique, did you know that they could be endangering your health? The toxic ingredients often found in colognes and brand-name fragrances may not only hinder your fight or recovery from cancer, but can actually cause cancer, as well. (more…)

Surgery and radiation treatments for cancer are not only a pain (literally), but they can wreak havoc on your skin, and consequently, your self confidence. The pain, peeling and scarring often left behind from radiation-related therapy can be extremely difficult to handle, while vivid post-surgical scars may seem nearly impossible to fade. Fortunately, there are ways to help the healing process while dealing with post-cancer scars, and improve the overall appearance and texture of skin.

To prevent severe damage to skin tissue, we suggest taking care of the affected areas prior to surgery and radiation, as well as in between radiation therapies. (Click here to read our post on natural product suggestions for radiation dermatitis.) (more…)

Have you heard the news? Eco-friendly—or “green”—is the hip way to be. Faced with a global-warming crisis, we’re all into sustainability…until it comes to our bodies, it seems. We recycle and use energy-efficient light bulbs, maybe even buy veggies at organic markets, but when it comes to the toxins we’re slathering on our skin, we tend to be much more “chemical-friendly.”

We’ve covered in other posts the dangers of toxic ingredients in skin-care and cosmetic products (especially if you’re going through treatment). Buying organic is one of the easiest ways to reduce your toxic overload. “But they’re so expensive,” you may say. (more…)

My friend Ann and I enjoying the event.

It’s been a long but very fulfilling week for me! I was down in Boynton Beach, Florida for a great cancer fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day called “St. Baldrick’s.” As their tagline says, “Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids Cancer” is exactly what went on at this event. Numerous men (and a few women) shaved their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, requesting donations of support from friends and family. (more…)

Let’s address the difficult problem of radiation burns. The skin is so fragile, tender and inflamed, that even clothing rubbing against it can be too painful. Radiation burns (or radiation dermatitis) can range from very mild to serious, and involve damage to the outer layer of skin (or occasionally, the inner tissue) due to the high frequency energy of ionizing radiotherapy used for cancer treatment. (more…)

If you’ve been lucky enough to escape stomach upset or loss of appetite from cancer treatments, here’s a good reason to visit your favorite Indian Restaurant, or to make your mom’s curried chicken this weekend. The benefits of eating Indian food go beyond the taste buds: did you know these culinary gems can also help reduce skin-tissue damage from radiation burns? (more…)

Even small things like buttoning your shirt can be difficult when you suffer from this syndrome.

As if chemotherapy isn’t bad enough, we now have to deal with irritated hands and feet? It can get so bad that we may not be able to button our own shirts, open up a jar or successfully maintain our daily tasks. (more…)