Parabens are popular preservatives used in a wide range of cosmetic products, like shampoos, lotions, shave gels, soaps, makeups, and more. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology reported parabens are currently used in over 13,000 hygiene products. They help deter bacteria from forming, which means the product lasts longer on your shelves. You’ll find them listed on the ingredient deck as methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben.

These preservatives were first approved for use in 1984, when the FDA determined they were safe. They’ve been ingredients of concern lately, however, because studies have shown their ability to mimic estrogen. A 2002 study showed they can act like estrogen in the body—so much so that they can cause breast cancer cells to grow and proliferate. However, a 1998 study showed that the estrogenic activity of parabens is 10,000-100,000-fold less than the activity of regular estrogen cells. And a 2007 review said that, based on maximum daily exposure estimates, parabens could not increase the risk of estrogen-mediated breast cancer.

But then there’s that study where scientists actually found parabens, intact, in breast tumor tissue. And not just in some—all the samples had at least one paraben, with methylparaben showing up the most. This wasn’t a perfect study. It was small—only 20 women—and the results weren’t compared to women without breast cancer. And it didn’t show that parabens cause breast cancer, only that it was there, in the cancerous tissue.

There’s no doubt that most people walking around today are carrying chemicals in their bodies. (We talked about this in a former post.) A 2008 Dateline NBC story followed 2 families—all members showed in tests to have low-to-moderate levels of 40 chemicals, including parabens. Obviously it doesn’t feel good knowing that we have these chemicals inside us. But are parabens any more dangerous than the others?

Simply put, we don’t know. Science doesn’t know. So far the studies are concerning, but inconclusive. Yes, they found parabens in breast-tumor tissue, but did those parabens have anything to do with causing those tumors? We don’t have the answer yet.

What we do know is that parabens can quite easily penetrate skin, that they do have some estrogenic activity (though weak), and that they can survive, intact, in our body tissues. Beyond that, we need more studies. In the meantime, what do we do?

We at Cinco Vidas just don’t feel comfortable with the idea of estrogenic chemicals hanging around inside us. It’s just not worth the risk. If you, like us, want to avoid piling up potentially dangerous chemicals in your body, watch the ingredient lists on the products you purchase, and avoid those that list parabens. Alternative preservatives that appear more safe include vitamins E and C (tocopherol and ascorbic acid); essential oils like tea tree, thyme, and neem seed; and grapefruit seed and rosemary extracts.

Are you avoiding parabens? Please share your thoughts.

Photo courtesy Pixels of Asta via Flickr.com.

That’s the conclusion reached by a group of researchers who examined epidemiological findings and over 3,000 research studies on vitamin D and cancer. According to their published paper, “It is projected that raising the minimum year-round serum 25(OH)D level to 40 to 60 ng/mL would prevent approximately 59,000 new cases of breast cancer and 49,000 new cases of colorectal cancer each year, and three fourths of deaths from these diseases in the United States and Canada….Such intakes also are expected to reduce case-fatality rates of patients who have breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer by half.”

So what does that mean? How much should we be getting? “There are no unreasonable risks from intake of 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D3,” researchers say.

Why aren’t we hearing more about this? Well, aside from the reports in the health media, marketers may be worried about confusing the public. After all, it’s taken years of messaging and lots of cash to convince people to use sunscreen and avoid the dangerous UV rays from the sun. Now, research is telling us we’re not getting enough vitamin D—as much as 85% of the public may be deficient, according to this recent paper—and one of the best ways to get it is from the sun! So what gives?

Since the benefits of vitamin D go beyond cancer prevention—it is essential for calcium absorption, can prevent or reverse osteoporosis, maintains immune function, and may prevent high blood pressure—it makes sense to explore how we can get more of it into our bodies. Of course, sun exposure is an easy, free, and efficient method, and the best way for your body to absorb the nutrient. (UVB radiation doesn’t penetrate glass, so exposure to sunshine though a window doesn’t produce vitamin D.)

But you don’t have to go overboard and increase your risk of skin cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, as little as 10 minutes is enough to prevent deficiencies. Health.com reports that for every minute you spend in peak summer sunlight, your body can product about 1,000 IU of vitamin D. They recommend 5-10 minutes of sunshine without sunscreen on your arms, legs, or back between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. three days a week. Women with medium-to-dark skin tones may need to up that level (by gradually increasing exposure) to 15-30 minutes. Do use sunscreen on your face and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

If you’re at risk for skin cancer, live in a cloudy climate, or find yourself suffering weeks of overcast skies in the winter, you can get your vitamin D from other sources. Fish oil and cod-liver oils both contain high levels of the nutrient, or you can try a regular pill form—just make sure it’s vitamin D3, not D2. D3 is the type your skin naturally produces when exposed to sunlight. D2 is obtained from plant sources and thought to be less effective. Certain foods also contain vitamin D, like salmon, tuna, mackerel, egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver. Check out this Vitamin D Fact Sheet provided by the Office of Dietary Supplements for more sources.

Have you experienced a vitamin D deficiency? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy tamelyn via Flickr.com.

Heidi Floyd, breast-cancer survivor, and her son, Noah.

Breast cancer was in her family. Her mother had passed away when she was only in her 40s. So she knew she was at risk—but she never expected to be diagnosed while she was pregnant.

Her name is Heidi Floyd, and today she serves as Breast Cancer Development Ambassador for the Very Bradley Foundation, traveling the nation raising money for breast cancer research. But when she was diagnosed, she was working in IT sales, and didn’t know where to turn. “The first oncologist I spoke to didn’t know how to treat a pregnant patient,” she says. “He told me my options were to terminate the pregnancy, or carry the baby to term while not addressing the cancer.”

Heidi’s cancer was aggressive, and growing fast. An “estrogen-fed” tumor, it was actually thriving in the estrogen-rich environment of her pregnant body. To not treat it would leave her with low odds of survival—and potentially leave her unborn baby (and three beautiful daughters) without a mother. Fortunately, Heidi was working for a company who had just made a large donation to the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, where researchers study the latest in breast cancer treatment. Heidi’s boss recommended she get in touch with the center.

“My other doctors had been in tears talking to me, as they didn’t know what to do,” Heidi says. “This oncologist was calm. He had treated dozens of pregnant women before. He reassured me that while treatment would be difficult for me, it would not be as difficult for my baby. He showed me other children he had helped take care of. They were healthy. They were fine. I had hope!”

Heidi started treatment, with a baby growing in her belly. As the doctor said, it was difficult. She couldn’t take anti-nausea medications, or drugs to help stabilize her white blood count, as these would be harmful to the fetus. “I would always get chemo on Friday, and then Monday I would go in for an ultrasound. They checked my baby constantly.”

Meanwhile, Heidi worked full time for Vera Bradley. “The women there were with me during my whole treatment. They sat with me, held my hand, made meals for my family. It’s a very rare company. They don’t just say they care, they really do.”

Noah, Heidi’s son, was taken by C-section a month premature. Heidi desperately needed radiation, and no kind of radiation is safe for the fetus. Fortunately, the baby was fine. “His immune system was compromised, because mine was compromised,” Heidi says, “so I wasn’t able to be with him for the first few days. It seemed far too long!” After the birth, Heidi went through additional surgeries, including a partial mastectomy. When asked how she made it through it all, she credits her son, and her faith. “I had something really worth fighting for in my mind—my unborn baby. Plus, my faith kept me going. I’m a Christian person, and I realized I, personally, could do nothing about this situation. I had to turn it over to God, and to the doctors, whom I trusted, and let it ride.”

For other women facing similar challenges, Heidi emphasizes the importance of finding a doctor with whom you can feel comfortable. “You’re basically handing this person your life,” she says, “and asking them to fix it. You have to be positive and strong as you fight through this—so you have to have someone you feel has your back. I met a woman in California who had to go through 4 doctors before she found one who would treat her while she was pregnant. Not all doctors are on the same level. You have to feel comfortable and trust your instincts. Everything depends on it.”

Today, Noah is a happy and healthy 4-year-old little boy. In August of 2010, Heidi will have reached her 5-year mark. She no longer works in the IT sales department, but at the request of her boss, is one of three people who promotes the Vera Bradley Foundation for breast cancer research. “Our money goes to research, period,” she says. “The Vera Bradley Corporation supports services for breast cancer patients, but the foundation strictly supports research.”

Heidi finds great satisfaction in her work now, as she can offer women hope. “So many times, when fundraising, we’re talking about loss. How someone lost their mother, their grandmother, their daughter. I’m able to offer a different perspective, as my battle resulted not only in my life being saved, but the life of my son. This little boy is here because of the research we have supported. He is the outcome.”

What would Heidi tell other moms diagnosed with cancer? “You’re stronger than you think you are. Don’t be afraid. This is the best time in your life to prove that someone else is more important than you are. If you’re fighting for the baby, great. If you’re fighting for someone in the family, great. Fight for someone, and don’t stop.”

To learn more about the Vera Bradley Foundation, go to their website. To learn more about Heidi, her family, and her fight against breast cancer, see “On the Road with the Vera Bradley Foundation.”

Most of us have been so well educated in exams and mammograms that we think they, alone, will warn us of any possible problems. But these methods aren’t foolproof. Many women have saved their own lives by being aware of cancer symptoms, and reporting any unusual sensations or concerns to their doctor.

Below are potential signs or symptoms of breast cancer. No need to be paranoid, as changes in your breasts are usually not related to cancer, but if you experience any of these, check with your doctor just to be safe.  (From “Breast Cancer Symptoms” by Andrea Markowitz, Ph.D., and the Mayo Clinic.)

• Lumps or masses in the breast or underarm—these can be either painless and hard, with uneven edges, or tender, soft, and rounded.
• Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple.
• Skin irritation or dimpling.
• Redness, scaliness, swollenness, or ridges.
• Thickening of the breast, nipple, or area around the nipple.
• Pitting (looks like an orange skin).
• Changes in the breast, like swelling, changes in how it looks or feels, changes in the size or shape, or changes in the nipple (e.g., it turns inward, thickens or produces a discharge).

Note: Studies show that women whose breasts became tender after taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had nearly twice the risk of developing breast cancer, so do not ignore tenderness, especially if you took HRT in the past.

If you do find a lump, try not to panic. Most breast lumps, according to the Mayo Clinic, are noncancerous—as many as four out of five that are biopsied. Other subtle changes may be normal as well, as the tissues can fluctuate as to their softness or hardness depending on your menstrual cycle. Breast tissue also becomes more fatty as you age. The biggest signal that you need to see your doctor is a change, one that seems to you unusual. If one breast has a lump that feels different from the other breast, for example, and if that lump doesn’t go away after your next period, or gets progressively larger.

Once you inform your doctor of your concerns, he/she will typically perform a breast exam and/or mammography to determine what is causing the issue. Even if you had a recent mammogram, if you find a lump or notice other changes in your breast, don’t be afraid to make another appointment. Remember that sometimes breast cancer shows no symptoms that you can see or feel, so don’t forget to schedule regular screenings.

Did you discover breast cancer through your own intuition? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy jrbett via Flickr.com.

As you may know, radiation can often leave the skin red, irritated, and burned. Sometimes the wounds take several weeks to heal. Most current medications that help prevent skin problems can also reduce the effectiveness of radiation. So researchers at the Catholic University and the National Research Council in Italy wondered if the antioxidants found in red wine might help. Out of about 350 women, those who drank wine on treatment days had lower rates of skin toxicity than those who didn’t. In fact, the toxicity effects were reduced up to 75 percent. (Wow!) The best news? The patients didn’t have to drink too much—just one glass in those who received the most benefit—and the wine didn’t reduce the effectiveness of the radiation therapy.

We’ve already talked about the health benefits of red wine’s resveratrol—a potent antioxidant—in another post. And this isn’t the first time that red wine has been found to be beneficial in combination with radiation therapy. Other studies by University of Rochester scientists found that red wine makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation therapy, and normal cells more resistant. For instance, when pancreatic cancer cells—typically highly resistant to chemotherapy—were pre-treated with resveratrol, then irradiated, the combination induced “apoptosis,” a particular kind of cell death that is usually the goal of cancer treatment.

“If wine can prevent radiation-induced toxicity without affecting antitumor efficacy,” said Italian-study author Dr. Vincenzo Valentini, “it also has the potential to enhance the therapeutic benefits in cancer patients without increasing their risk of serious adverse effects.”

If you’d like to try red wine on your treatment days, ask your doctor. Another option might be to consume red or purple grape juice, which also contains antioxidants from grapes (including resveratrol). You may also consider resveratrol supplements, preferably in liquid or juice form since the antioxidant is best absorbed by the lining of the mouth.

Have you found red wine to help with cancer therapy? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy Stephane Daoust Pixelographe via Flickr.com.

Some of you have asked us—what’s the low-down on this drug?

In a trial of 752 patients, those receiving the combo therapy had a statistically significant improvement in survival as well as improvement in tumor response. What’s “statistically significant?” According to author Nick Mulcahy of Medscape, in terms of survival, about a month. Tumors, as well, either shrank or didn’t grow for about a month longer than in patients not on ixabepilone.

Of course, there are side effects. One of the main ones is that it can create neuropathy (or make it worse)—it did so in 65% of patients treated. Neuropathy is nerve damage that feels like numbness or pins and needles. If neuropathy worsens, your doctor may need to reduce the dose or delay further treatment.

Another effect: ixabepilone raised the risk of neutropenia (low white-blood cell count)—the complications of which caused death in a small percentage of patients. Thus doctors must ensure that your blood count is high enough before prescribing, and then will need to monitor your carefully throughout treatment. Many prescribe Neulasta to keep blood count up.

Patients who have a history of heart disease should also be cautious about this drug, as it was found to increase frequency of cardiac events in studies. Women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn’t take it, and if you have allergies to castor oil, tell your doctor. This drug had other potential side effects too, like anemia, fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, mouth sores, and musculoskeletal pain. Less than 20% of patients also experienced hand/food syndrome, nail disorders, abdominal pain, and constipation. (Other possible side effects can be found here.) The European Medicines Agency’s review recommended that ixabepilone be rejected for approval because of concerns that it’s benefits do not outweigh the risks.

What’s the bottom line? The drug is young, so the evidence is still coming in. It does seem to provide a benefit, but just how much is still uncertain and depends on the individual. Checking the cancer forums shows a variety of responses. Some women tolerate it well, others not so much. For some it provided a strong benefit, for others, it didn’t help at all. Look at the totality of your condition, your life, and your experience, and make the decision from there.

“I did well on Ixempra,” says tzizzw. “I was fatigued but have had worse. It really is amazing how differently we react to treatments.”

“I did 2 doses of Ixempra and decided that was it,” says sunbearz. “6 months later I still have damage. Neuropathy hand tremors.”

Constantine Kaniklidis of Breast Cancer Watch writes, “I advised Ixempra and after just a few cycles all disease—which was impervious to all previous treatment and kept advancing—was stabilized.”

Ask questions, then trust yourself and your doctor to come up with the best solution. Ixempra is costly—about $4570 per cycle—so be sure your insurance covers it.

Has your doctor prescribed Ixempra? Please share your experience.

Hormone disruptors imitate our real hormones, so the body is “fooled” into thinking they’re the same thing. The toxins can then bind to the same sites as natural hormones do, altering normal function. Circulating around in the blood stream like tourists, they look for certain “target” cells. When they find the right one, they attach and activate that cell to start a certain function. The cell can then operate like a robot gone wrong, dividing more than it should and incorrectly activating genes.

“Each time they divide, they have the risk of copying DNA incorrectly and creating mutations in key genes,” says Suzanne Snedeker, Ph.D., “which may lead to increased breast cancer risk.” Suzanne is talking specifically about synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen, a female hormone, and cause it to abnormally multiply. Research shows that other hormone disruptors can cause problems like other cancers, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and behavioral abnormalities in children.

The best way to protect yourself is to limit your exposure to the products that carry these toxins. We’ve put together a partial list here to get you started.

• Pesticides. Many are known to have hormone-disrupting effects. Buy organic and locally grown food. Avoid pesticide use, and peel non-organic produce.
• Plastics. May contain phthalates, known to be hormone disruptors. Microwave foods in ceramic or glass containers (instead of plastic). Avoid plastic cling wrap on food—cover with a paper-towel instead. Give children toys made of more natural materials. Use a stainless steel bottle for water rather than buying plastic bottled water.
• Mercury. Limit your consumption of tuna and other high-mercury fish to one-two times a week, less if you’re pregnant. Ask your dentist for porcelain fillings instead of mercury.
• Detergents. May contain chemicals that are hormone disruptors. Avoid “super-strength” cleaners and purchase organic or natural laundry detergents.
• Shampoos & Conditioners. These often contain parabens, which have been linked with breast tumors. Read labels, and choose non-toxic products like Avalon and Jason hair products.
• Liquid Soaps. Many contain “triclosan,” an antibacterial agent that’s been linked to hormone disruption in animals. Choose organic or natural brands like Burt’s Bees.
• Lotions. Believe it or not, many have the same dangerous phthalates that are found in plastics, which have been linked with damaged sexual development in baby boys. Look for chemical names like DBP, DEP, and DEHP. Choose organic and natural lotions—check the Skin Deep Database for your favorite formulas.
• Sunscreens. Some contain chemicals like 4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC), Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-3, and Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), which can act as hormone disruptors. Look for more natural formulas with titles that include words like “organic,”  “chemical-free” and “sensitive.”

Have you changed your purchasing habits to reduce exposure to hormone disruptors? Please share your experience.

Photo courtesy of moonwell via Flickr.com.

Sometimes the science behind food and cancer can get really confusing. After all, if we avoided every food that was ever suspect in a study we’d probably be stuck with bread and water. (Make that whole-grain bread.)

Still, when a U.S. study from the University of Southern California and the University of Hawaii looked at 50,000 post-menopausal women and found that eating just a quarter of a grapefruit daily raised the risk of breast cancer by up to 30 percent, women couldn’t help but ask the question: Have I just eaten my last grapefruit?

There’s an enzyme called CYP3A4 that’s apparently involved in breaking down estrogen. Grapefruit inhibits this enzyme, which allows levels of estrogen to build. Scientists have long known that higher estrogen levels are associated with breast cancer risk, so grapefruit could, theoretically, increase a woman’s chance of breast cancer.

This isn’t the first time grapefruit has found itself in a negative limelight. Scientists discovered a few years ago that the tangy fruit can affect the way prescription drugs are metabolized in the body, again, by inhibiting enzymes that break them down, thereby making the drugs more potent. People are now cautioned to avoid taking grapefruit juice with medication.

But then, in a clinical trial this year, researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that combining eight ounces of grapefruit juice with the drug rapamycin (a potential cancer fighter) can increase drug levels, allowing lower doses to be given. The combination of the two was shown to be effective in treating various types of cancer.

As for the study on breast cancer and grapefruit, it’s not conclusive. Some problems include the influence of age on cancer risk, which wasn’t fully evaluated; and the fact that grapefruit juice was not taken into account. Even the researchers say more studies are needed.

In 2008, they got their wish: Another study appeared in the British Journal of Cancer with the opposite conclusion—no link between grapefruit and cancer. This time, they based their observation on the well-known Nurse’s Health Study, which has followed thousands of women in the U.S. since 1976. Here’s the kicker: Eating more grapefruit was related to a reduced risk of breast cancer in those women who had never been on hormone replacement therapy.

Who knows what we may find out in the future? For now, if you’re concerned, you can cut grapefruit to one-two servings a week. However, since it’s full of nutrients—including vitamin C, carotenoids, folate, potassium, and fiber—and since this latest study showed a protective effect, you’ll probably do your body good digging out that serrated spoon.

Do you have any great grapefruit recipes to share?

Photo courtesy of princess_of_llyr via Flickr.com.

According to Charlene Laino of WebMD News, breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. However, little research has focused on how implants may affect treatment.

As you may know, breast-cancer treatment usually involves one of two types of surgery: either a mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed, or a lumpectomy, where only the tumor is removed, radiation applied, and the rest of the breast reconstructed. For women with implants, a mastectomy typically involves an implant exchange, whereas a lumpectomy may or may not leave the implant intact.

So far, it seems that treatment outcomes are about the same for women with and without implants, at least as far as survival and recurrence rates are concerned. Mastectomy outcomes, as well, seem about equal. For women with implants, researchers say that in the early stages of the disease, mastectomy with reconstruction—particularly if radiation is not required—has very positive outcomes, with possible lowered sensitivity in the nipple area the only downside.

There is a big difference, though, in breast appearance after breast-conserving surgery and radiation for women with implants, specifically concerning what doctors call “capsular contraction.” Scar tissue can form around the implant, hardening breast tissue, rippling skin, and changing the appearance of the breast. The changes can occur from 6-9 months after surgery, with continuing development over many years afterward. The hardening can be painful, and often requires surgery to remove the scar tissue or replace the implant.

According to Robert Kuske, a clinical professor at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and radiation oncologist at Arizona Oncology Services in Scottsdale, AZ, about 55 percent of women with breast implants experience unwanted hardening of their implants after undergoing traditional whole-breast irradiation.

Fortunately, in December of 2008, Kuske also presented findings about a new technique called “brachytherapy,” which treats breast cancer while sparing the implants. Apparently the technique has been studied for years in women without breast implants, but only recently have scientists looked at it specifically for this case. Simply put, after a lumpectomy, tiny catheters are inserted into the breast around the tumor area, through which radioactive materials are inserted, essentially killing the cancer cells without over-exposing the implant. In studies, brachytherapy was effective at treating the cancer, while implant hardening was reduced to zero.

“Compared to traditional treatments, brachytherapy offers an excellent alternative for these women,” Kuske said at the last annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. “It offers very high rates of tumor control with fewer side effects and is easier on their lifestyle.”

Results are still preliminary at this time, but this treatment gives real hope to thousands of women who desire breast-conserving surgery and who have implants. Traditionally, women may have opted to have the implant removed to avoid capsular contraction, but new options may soon give them the ability to retain what they’ve invested in the cosmetic procedure.

If you’ve had breast-cancer treatments involving implants, please share your story with us. It may help others!

Photo courtesy of Susan & her 5d via Flickr.com.

“The survey showed that about 70% were not aware of the link between processed meat and cancer,” reports Reuben Chow, journalist. “Further, 44% of those surveyed were not aware that being overweight also increases cancer risk.”

To do our part in continuing to educate Cinco Vidas readers about lifestyle choices that can keep breast cancer at bay, we’ve created a list below of some major tips for avoiding breast cancer—some you may already know, but some you may not!

THE ONES YOU MAY KNOW

• Limit alcohol
• Don’t smoke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active (aim for at least 30 minutes a day 5 times a week)
• Limit the fat in your diet, and include more fiber
• Eat more fruits and green, leafy vegetables
• Consider discontinuing long-term hormone therapy
• Limit your exposure to pesticides
• Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids

THE ONES YOU MAY NOT KNOW

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics—scientists recently found a link between antibiotic use and breast cancer—the longer they were used, the higher the risk
• Drink tea—a new study found that drinking black or green tea results in a 37% reduction in breast-cancer risk for women under the age of 50
• Add the spice curcumin (a popular Indian spice) to your diet—studies show it reduces risk of breast cancer after exposure to hormone replacement therapy
• Add 1-3 tablespoons flaxseeds to your daily diet, in oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, meatloaf, chili, breads, and more
• Avoid regular personal-care products that may contain phthalates, parabens, sulphates, and other potential carcinogens—choose organic and natural products, and learn to read labels
• Enjoy more mushrooms, about 100 grams a day, and up your intake of walnuts
• Get more vitamin D, either from the sun or from butter, eggs, trout, and salmon

Do you have a favorite way to avoid breast cancer?

Photo courtesy of austinhk via Flickr.com.