The Effect of Exogenous Hormones on Breast Cancer

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The Effect of Exogenous Hormones on Breast Cancer

• By Emilie Prot

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Hormones

• Endogenous estrogens are hormones that are the
  produced within the body
• Exogenous estrogens are those produced from
  outside of the body
• Endocrine disruptors are man-made synthetic
  chemicals and natural phytoestrogens (naturally
  occurring plantor fungal metabolitederived
  estrogen) that act on the endocrine systems of
  humans and animals by mimicking, blocking and/or
  interfering in some manner with the natural
  instructions of hormones to cells

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Why worry?

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in
  women 34 to 54 years of age
• The bodies of humans and other animals depend
  upon a complexly integrated and timed series of
  events, of which the delivery of hormones to
  various organs is vital.
• The disruption can cause an inappropriate
  quantity or timing of a response to a stimulus
  the blocking of hormonal effects in parts of the
  body normally sensitive to it and the
  stimulation or inhibition of the endocrine system
  that could produce an inappropriate quantity of
  hormones too much, too little or none at all.
• Any combination of these interferences on the
  endocrine system can affect physical development,
  sex differentiation, reproduction, brain
  development, behavior, temperature regulation and
  more. An endocrine disruptor can injure or
  destroy an organ that has the task of supplying
  hormones. 

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Examples of endocrine disruptors

• Endocrine disrupting chemicals are found in low
  doses in literally thousands of products
• Phytochemicals that reside in fungus and plants
  such as mold clover
• Human activity release of heavy metals such as
  lead mercury and cadmium
• Pesticides, insecticides (DDT), drugs, product
  additives (insecticide dieldrin), the synthetic
  estrogen ethinylestradiol in birth control pills,
  biphenol A in plastics, and phthalatesin in
  cosmetics

Atrazine in drinking water has been linked to
prostate and breast cancer.
Plastics used in toys are softened with toxic
chemicals that can cause cancer, mutations, and
reproductive damage if they leach out of the
plastic when chewed or sucked.
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• Map shows geographical variations in the crude
  incidence of breast cancer. Higher incidence is
  indicated by darker green. The map tells us that,
  overall, the incidence of breast cancer varies
  with socioeconomic status. The incidence of
  breast cancer increases with socioeconomic
  status.

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Increase in breast cancer due to PCBs, DDE and
other organochlorine pesticides ?
Perhaps one of the most disturbing current
trends is the alarming increase in breast cancer
incidence. Fifty years ago it was 1 women in 20
today it is 1 in 8. Numerous studies have
implicated xenoestrogens as the responsible
agents. For instance high concentrations of
pesticides, especially DDT, have been found in
breast tissue of breast cancer patients in Long
Island. (M. Trankina from the University of
Texas Health Science Center)

• Although DDT was banned for use in the U.S. in
  the early 1970s it continues to be manufactured
  in this country and marketed abroad, where it is
  sprayed on produce that is then sold in U.S.
  stores. Recall from class that DDT lingers fat
  deposits in the human body for decades.

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Chemoprotective agents

• Two specific metabolites of estrogen that are
  implicated in the breast cancer process have been
  identified one associated with increased breast
  cancer risk, and one that appears not to be
  harmful
• Chemoprotective agents alter estrogen metabolism
  in favor of less harmful metabolites. (Dr.
  Daniel Sepkovic)
• Indole-3-carbole (I3C) is a naturally occurring
  agent plays a protective role against mammary
  tumors (tested in the rodents)

Brussels sprouts
broccoli
cauliflower
kale
turnips
rutabaga
cabbage
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Xenoestrogens with protective properties

• Phytochemicals that reside in whole grains,
  soybeans, other legumes, many fruits and
  vegetables are good for you!

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What can we do to prevent breast cancer?

• Have a healthy and safe home environment
• Eat smart
• Choose safe cosmetics http//www.cosmeticdatabase.
  com/research/topbrands.php
• Develop exercise routine
• Be aware!

http//www.health-report.co.uk/ingredients-directo
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Questions?