As an environmentally-focused, community-based nonprofit organization, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is focused on our community’s impact on the environment AND the environment’s impact on our community. In keeping with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to take a closer look at how elements of our environment may compound the likelihood of developing breast cancer and the steps we can take to enhance our chances of preventing it.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2022, an estimated 287,850 women received that diagnosis. Sadly, over 40,000 lost their battle to this disease that same year. As the race for the cure continues, it’s important to note that there are over 4 million women living with the disease or in remission, and the 5-year survival rate stands at 90%. Among those brave women is Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Executive Director Schelly Marlatt – a two-time breast cancer survivor. To say that this subject is of great importance to us would be an understatement.
Here are four measures you – or someone you love – can take to lower the risk of developing breast cancer…
Avoid Environmental Exposures That May Increase the Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
Every day, we are exposed to potential cancer-causing elements in our environment, including air pollution and contaminants in the water. You can take small steps to avoid air pollution exposure: stay indoors during “rush hour” drive times and resist the urge to keep your car idling while waiting in the car rider line at school. We are blessed with an award-winning Department of Water Resources in Gwinnett County that takes every measure possible to ensure our drinking water is safe. Although, it never hurts to add an extra layer of protection with a filter on your faucet or refrigerator water dispenser.
Often, these exposures are work-related. A radiology technician regularly exposed to low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation such as that used in CT scans and mammograms may be at risk. A woman who works in a manufacturing facility regularly exposed to carcinogenic chemicals or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) may be at risk. A warehouse worker on the overnight shift who is regularly exposed to light at night may also be at risk.
Opt for Household Products with Clean Ingredients
While we’ve already touched on the potential risk of air pollution outdoors, it’s important to note that indoor air quality may also play a role in lowering or increasing your breast cancer risk. The New York Post reports that aerosol and plug-in air fresheners may contain hormone disrupters and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylenes, which have been linked to several types of cancer. The same article indicates that you should avoid chlorine bleach, oven cleaners, antibacterial cleaners, hand sanitizers, and mothballs. Opt instead for cleaners with “clean” ingredients, like baking soda and diluted vinegar. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a Safer Choice-Certified Products database to help you determine the ideal household products to use in your home.
Eat Whole Foods
Studies have shown that increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of breast cancer. This is largely thanks to the introduction of higher levels of micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables called carotenoids to the bloodstream. However, it’s crucial that you wash your fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove any residual pesticides. Research also indicates that diets rich in calcium point to lower cancer rates, so it might be wise to add more milk, cheese, yogurt, and calcium-rich vegetables like collard greens, kale, broccoli, and soybeans to your diet.
On the other side of that coin, there are also certain foods and beverages you should avoid to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol consumption is a serious risk factor – accounting for roughly 16% of breast cancer cases in the U.S. So if you imbibe, you might want to consider cutting back. Experts recommend just one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. That’s 12 ounces of beer, 8 to 9 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits daily, ladies.
While you won’t need to rule out red meat altogether – including beef, veal, lamb, and pork – you should consider reducing your consumption to just 12-18 ounces per week. Sugar consumption has been implicated in many kinds of cancer, as well. Many experts agree that if you’re worried about developing cancer in any form, you might want to remove refined sugar from your daily diet. Many types of cancer cells use sugar as their fuel for growth. Last but far from least, processed foods increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Something as simple and seemingly innocuous as microwave popcorn can contain cancer-causing compounds, like the chemical used to coat the inside of the bag.
Get Plenty of Fresh Air and Exercise
Excess body weight and physical inactivity are listed among breast cancer risk factors, particularly in postmenopausal women. Getting active is a great way to counter that risk. Gwinnett County Department of Parks & Recreation offers terrific programming and an award-winning network of parks to help you get started! You may opt to join some friends for Yoga in the Park, swim laps at a nearby indoor aquatic facility, or jog the trails at a scenic local park. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Of course, some women are genetically predisposed to developing breast cancer, and – while the measures listed above may boost their overall health and ability to fight the disease – the absolute BEST line of defense is regular self-breast exams and annual mammograms. Stay healthy and “fight like a girl,” Gwinnett!
For more eco-friendly tips, be sure to bookmark our blog at www.GwinnettCB.org and subscribe to our monthly e-blast!
KB 9/27/23
