I’m a hypochondriac. Always have been since I was a child.
One of my biggest fears as an adult is getting breast cancer. I visited my
gynecologist a few months ago and asked what I could do to help prevent getting
breast cancer. You know what she said? Nothing. According to this recommended
OB/GYN doctor, besides regular check-ups to see if I already had breast cancer,
there was nothing I could do to prevent a cancer that impacts 1 in 8 U.S.
women.
After heavily researching breast cancer, I found out that I
was making quite a few mistakes with my everyday activities. Here are 9 things
that may cause breast cancer that you should avoid.
Buying Deodorant Without Checking the Label
I actually have a good friend who is more of a hypochondriac
than I am, so I went to her with my concerns about breast cancer. She took me
into the bathroom and thrust her deodorant at me. While at first I was confused
and slightly offended, she explained that I should start using a different
deodorant because the mass-produced ones at the store have ingredients (ie
aluminum –based compounds) I can’t afford to put under my armpits and so close
to my breasts. Luckily, she had an extra Tom’s natural deodorant to give me.
There might not be any “conclusive” research that links
antiperspirants to breast cancer but better safe than sorry.
Using Chemical Hair Dye
I know so many people who dye their hair every few months
using the cheap boxed dyes you can buy at the store. Sure, it can be fun but
it’s like playing Russian Roulette because the dyes you use most likely contain
carcinogens. The National Cancer Institute even warns against the practice of
just picking out a hair dye willy-nilly. So the next time you do it, go to a
health foods market and find the most naturally-based hair dye you can.
Smoking
Regarding my visit to the gynecologist, she did come back
after our conversation a few minutes later and asked if I smoked or drank a lot
of alcohol. I said no (I don’t think any true hypochondriac can do either of
those things). “You’ll be fine then,” she said. But she forgot about
second-hand smoke, which can be just as dangerous. Now, I won’t go near anyone
if they’re lighting up, including my BFF’s boyfriend. He can get as mad as he
wants; my health is more important!
Wearing the Wrong Bra Size
When an organization devoted to protecting women against
breast cancer suggests you get fitted with the right bra, you take notice. Bras
that are too small or big might pose a risk because they just aren’t supportive
on the breast tissue or if they are too tight they will cut off drainage of the
lymph fluid. Hey, it was a great excuse to head to Victoria’s Secret to get
measured.
If I had my choice though, I would go all-natural and join
the bra burners of the 60s (however, my mom was a bra burner, so that might
make it a little awkward).
Using Chemical Household Cleaners
If the cabinet under your kitchen sink looks like most,
there are enough chemicals to make all sorts of crazy things. And yes, as you
and I suspected, those chemicals are REALLY bad. Not only are they connected
with breast cancer, they are connected with other kinds of cancers, as well as
chronic conditions like migraines, allergies and more. So from now on, clean
with vinegar, baking soda and other materials that aren’t going to give you a
medical nightmare.
Using Mothballs
When I was a little kid, I learned to use mothballs. They
actually remind me of my grandmother, bless her heart. Little did I know that
they are filled with chemicals that have been connected with breast cancer
development. Looks like I’ll be looking for an alternative, like cedar chips.
Sorry, Grammy!
Putting Non-Organic Make-Up on My Face
I won’t tell you the foundation I use, but I will tell you
that after I read the ingredients, I promptly threw it away. It was chock full
of all sorts of nasty things like parabens, which have been found en masse in
tissue samples that came from breast cancer patients. I can still wear make-up,
though. A trip to my local whole foods store was all it took to come up with
organic-based, paraben-free cover-up.
Neglecting My
Physical Health
In my research, I discovered losing weight is a good way to
ward off breast cancer since there have been indications of a link between
being overweight and being diagnosed with this type of cancer. That’s all the
motivation I need to get off the couch and head to the gym.
Drinking Alcohol
Like I mentioned above, alcohol has never been my drink of
choice but basically everyone else I know highly enjoys their beer. Yet alcohol
is super problematic if you want to avoid breast cancer, liver cancer and heart
cancer. In a global study, over 21 percent of alcohol related deaths were
because of cancer. I’m hoping for a soon-to-be revolution that swaps alcohol
for tea (healthier and less expensive) when it comes to social drinking. Tea
time anyone?
De-Odorizing My House With Air Fresheners
I love a clean-smelling house and car, but the air
fresheners I’ve been using contain phthalates, a type of plasticizing chemical.
Phthalates have been found in air fresheners because they help create a
long-lasting fragrance. Unfortunately, that fragrance could be deadly. Looks
like I’ll be boiling some water, cinnamon sticks and cloves on the stovetop to
make my house smell really amazing!
Written by Ali Lawrence
Ali Lawrence is a doctor,writer and content specialist for WebpageFX and blogs
in her free time at MarCom Land. She's a frequent contributor on
Business2Community, Brazen Careerist, and Gen Pink.
