As the winter quarter begins and I find myself back in the swing of things, I am learning new and fascinating things at a rapid pace and I love it. In two of my classes, the topic of breast cancer came up in the first week of lecture. I learned that the incidence of breast cancer amongst women under 40 has risen considerably in the last several years, and honestly, I was shocked. Historically, breast cancer affected women over the age of 40 due to factors like genetic mutations or hormonal changes. Why are we seeing a shift like this?
 
What I learned is that women are exposed to numerous carcinogenic compounds through the use of make-up and other skin care items. In fact, this exposure is considered to be so detrimental, that the European Union Commission has banned the use of carcinogenic compounds in European cosmetics. In addition to unknowingly being exposed to carcinogenic compounds, we are hindering our body’s ability to filter out the offending carcinogens. Many women wear under wire bras, which contain metal components that inhibit the drainage of lymph fluid from breast tissue. Lymph drainage is a critical part of our immune health.
 
It is true that we expose ourselves to toxins in many ways, but I believe that we should take a stand against what is right and what is wrong, especially when countries around the world are acknowledging the harmful effects of ingredients that the American government has seemingly turned a blind eye to. In this New Year, I challenge you to make wiser decisions as a consumer. Buy cosmetics that have been approved by the European Union Commission. Research the products you use with websites like the Environmental Working Group, which provide information on the health concerns associated with ingredients used in cosmetics. Your purchases (or lack of) send a message to companies that put toxic ingredients in the products we use. Use your dollars to make a statement.
 
References:

• U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics
• European Union Commission
• Environmental Working Group

Pragati Patel

Pragati is a third year student at Bastyr University in Seattle. Her undergraduate background in Anthropology coupled with her graduate work in Communications led her to the realm of Naturopathic Medicine and the unique patient centered approach utilized in this field. Her interests include the politics and policies behind medicine, community healthcare and pediatrics. She is an active member of the Bastyr Chapter of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Naturopaths without Borders.

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