(NaturalHealth365)  Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a serious environmental and health concern implicated in cancer development.  Specific chemicals, such as dioxin and cadmium for breast and thyroid cancer, arsenic, asbestos, dioxin for prostate cancer, and organochlorines/organohalogens for testicular cancer, are identified as potential carcinogens.

Breast cancer, in particular, is a common and tragic form of cancer that kills many women across the globe before their time and has a variety of causal factors.  Today, we’ll focus on how too many chemicals can cause hormonal imbalances that greatly contribute to your cancer risk.

Tiny troublemakers: EDCs and the sneaky impact on cancer risks

A recent study focused on environmental EDCs, a diverse group of compounds known to interfere with the endocrine system.  These chemicals, encountered daily by all of us, have been linked to various cancers.  The paper aimed to explore the carcinogenic activities of known EDCs, emphasizing their impact on public health.

The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review, specifically emphasizing meta-analyses and human studies concerning EDCs and cancer.  The results highlight the evolving definition of EDCs over the years and the lack of standardized criteria for testing new chemicals to ascertain their potential carcinogenicity.

Additionally, researchers established that assessing the full impact of human exposure to EDCs proves challenging, given that adverse effects may manifest at different ages, with evidence suggesting heightened vulnerability in developing fetuses and neonates.

What makes a carcinogen?

In the case of breast cancer, carcinogens act in a handful of specific ways.  They are estrogen receptor agonists, steroidogens, and genotoxic, indicating that they directly damage DNA.

One study looked at a list of “known carcinogens” and “possible carcinogens” in each category, along with other compounds and products that could potentially have carcinogenic effects.

The scientists identified over 900 compounds that caused tumors, some of which were a surprise.  The scientists suggested that their research should help guide the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other health-focused organizational policies, as well as consideration of the formulation of a variety of products that people use every day.  But, in all honesty, these 3 letter government agencies will probably do nothing, since they are largely controlled by corporate interests.

How to reduce your risk of cancer

One of the easiest things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer is to be savvy about the ingredients in your products.  Many carcinogens found in the last 30 years occurred in products we thought were benign, such as talcum powder.  Research shows that there are hundreds if not thousands of chemicals being used right now that cause some type of cancer, and we just aren’t aware because there’s not enough data.

Natural products are always going to be the best bet, whether it’s skincare, health products, or unprocessed food.  Avoiding chemicals like glyphosate and other toxic herbicides, pesticides, paints, and other mechanical compounds as much as possible is another step in the right direction.  The compounds found by the researchers are often two basic to pinpoint specific products to avoid, but being alert about new developments in the field of cancer research is key.

While eating a healthy (organic) diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising are no-brainers when it comes to good health and cancer prevention, there is a direct link between a disrupted gut microbiome and a variety of types of cancers, including breast cancer.  Eating a high-fiber diet with lots of fermented foods (rich in probiotics) could cut your risk of breast cancer significantly along with a variety of other cancers, specifically colorectal.

Stay on top of developing research, avoid unnecessary chemicals and processed foods, and live a clean life, all of which help reduce your risk of cancer.

Editor’s note: Discover the most advanced strategies and protocols to stop cancer cell growth naturally, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov