New Multimedia CD-ROM, “Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer,” Details Chemicals Implicated in the High Rate of Breast Cancer and Pinpoints Critical Periods of Susceptibility

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Poughkeepsie, NY — A new multimedia CD-ROM released today, "Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer," details how exposure to harmful chemicals in shampoos, lotions, cleaning products, and metals, among other substances, may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The complimentary CD, produced by a team of faculty, students, and technical professionals from Vassar College, provides disconcerting evidence – such as that adolescent girls may be more susceptible to the cancer causing effects of the chemicals found in these common items.

The Vassar College CD aggregates research from nearly 200 scientific sources published in top-tier medical and environmental journals and synthesizes it for the first time in a coherent and user-friendly medium. The CD also provides practical suggestions to decrease exposure to harmful chemicals and their affects upon the body.

Janet M. Gray, Ph.D., the CD project director, and a professor of neuroscience and behavior at Vassar, said, "Information about the relationship between environmental risks and breast cancer is often ignored. It is crucial to inform the public, especially young girls, who can alter habits now that could diminish their risk of developing breast cancer in the future."

Vassar partnered on the CD with the Center for Environmental Oncology of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. Co-sponsors of the project are the Silent Spring Institute, Breast Cancer Fund, Breast Cancer Action, and Breast Cancer Options. Vassar chose these partners because of their crucial work on the frontlines of the issue of environmental risks and breast cancer, bringing together diverse backgrounds in scientific research, advocacy, and education.

In a format that even the least computer savvy consumer can access, the Vassar CD also examines the risk for breast cancer posed by alkylphenols, the chemicals that produce the suds in many household cleaning products. It also explores potentially harmful effects of substances found in many common personal care products, and the harm caused by chemicals found in plastics, such as plastic bottles and cling wrap, that leach into liquids and food that people consume everyday.

"Fewer than half of all breast cancer cases are caused by risk factors including lifestyle, inherited factors, and reproductive history. Risks in the environment, both inside and outside the home, have been implicated in the high rate of breast cancer, and we were compelled to pull all of this information into one user-friendly source to empower people to make informed decisions and to minimize their exposure to these substances," said Dr. Gray.

Vassar College, renowned for pioneering achievements in education and a commitment to public service, is offering the CD with the intent to increase the national dialogue about possible risks for breast cancer, as well as practical suggestions for decreasing exposures to those risks.

Samples of scientific evidence and practical suggestions on the CD include:

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Scientific evidence indicates that adolescence is a key period of enhanced susceptibility to exposure to environmental toxins. As young girls develop daily habits such as shampooing, using antiperspirant, and applying lotion, all of which are easily absorbed through the skin, the CD warns that many of these products contain harmful chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, that can manipulate estrogen levels and may increase breast cancer risk

The CD suggests avoiding hair products containing estrogens and placental extracts, personal care products that list parabens or phthalates in their ingredients, and limiting the amount of products used altogether.

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Alkylphenols, the chemicals that produce the suds in many household cleaning products, are ubiquitous in the environment. They are found in liquid clothes detergents, disinfecting cleaners, and spot removers, to name a few. Alkylphenols do not biodegrade easily and are found in water and sediment in high concentrations. The chemicals in alkylphenols mimic the actions of natural estrogens and therefore can stimulate cell growth.

The CD suggests using "green" products that are commercially available that do not contain alkyphenols. In addition, homemade cleaners serve as less toxic alternatives. Most common household cleaning can be accomplished with baking soda, pure soap, and plain white vinegar.

METALS

Aluminum can be found in cooking utensils, antacids and buffered aspirin, astringents, and many antiperspirants. When these products are used, aluminum enters the body by absorption through the skin or through ingestion. Studies suggest that aluminum could serve as a possible source of DNA damage, increasing the chances of DNA mistakes and promoting the growth of damaged cells, thus increasing the risk for breast cancer.

The CD suggests using alternatives to aluminum cooking utensils such as stainless steel or iron, avoiding taking large quantities of soluble forms of aluminum such as antacids and buffered aspirin, avoiding using aluminum foil for food storage, and avoiding antiperspirants that contain aluminum.

To order a complimentary copy of the "Environmental Risks and Breast Cancer" CD, go to http://erbc.vassar.edu

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential, liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Monday, August 28th, 2006.