The Breast Cancer Prevention Program

The Breast Cancer Prevention Program, 2nd Edition
By Samuel S. Epstein M.D., and David Steinman with Suzanne LeVert, 1998
http://www.preventcancer.com/press/books/bcp.htm

The book that takes the cancer establishment to taskThe First Complete Survey of the Causes of Breast Cancer and the Steps You Can Take to Reduce your Risks.

What the cancer establishment won't tell you and why

Personal and environmental risks you can avoid

Prevention strategies that work

WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU

Breast Cancer rates continue to climb, with this disease striking more women every year, and yet information about known risks and prevention strategies is not reaching you. The cancer establishment has a vested interest in keeping you focused on early detection, treatment, and basic genetic research rather than on reducing the risks for developing the disease in the first place.

The Truth is, breast cancer is not a random killer. There are many simple, straight- forward ways women can help protect themselves against it. Supported by a wealth of scientifically documented, medically sound information, this ground-breaking book outlines the unpublished "Dirty Dozen" risk factors for breast cancer and describes in detail the ways you can avoid them. 1 in 8 is a frightening ratio.
Only 4 decades ago, the breast cancer rate was 1 in 20. Now it is 1
in 8. Yet the cancer establishment still insists that
"we have turned the tide against cancer."

Not so, says the author of this groundbreaking book.
They back up this claim with the most thorough analysis of all known
and suspected causes of breast cancer yet undertaken. They reveal the heartening
news that you can take steps to reduce your risks of getting breast cancer,
since its rise is directly related to an out-of-control spread of the factors
that increase our risk-from environmental and workplace carcinogens to
unhealthy lifestyle choices.

There is good news.
The authors explain that there is plenty every woman can do to keep
this dreaded disease at bay. The Breast Cancer Prevention Program
provides a fascinating, informative, and empowering blueprint for health.

Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., and David Steinman are the authors
of the best-selling consumer guide the Safe Shopper's Bible.
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Comments about the book!
NOTE: The Breast Cancer Prevention Program is no longer available from the publisher. A copy may be available from your local library.

The"Dirty Dozen" Consumer Products from the Cancer Prevention Coalition

The"Dirty Dozen" Consumer Products

from the Cancer Prevention Coalition

fighting for a safer environment at home, in the community, and at work

visit www.FamilySingsWithJoy.com to request information about
a SAFE Heath & Wellness manufacturer.

See September 21, 1995 press release Cancer Group and Ralph Nader Release First Annual "Dirty Dozen" Consumer Product List http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/general/dirty_dozen.htm FOOD Beef Frankfurters - (eg. Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation) The"Dirty Dozen" Consumer ProductsSee September 21, 1995 press release Cancer Group and Ralph Nader Release First Annual "Dirty Dozen" Consumer Product List FOOD Beef Frankfurters - (eg. Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE, Carcinogenic. DACTHAL, Carcinogenic (can be contaminated with dioxin); irritant; strong sensitizer. DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen. HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; teratogenic. LINDANE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; damage to blood forming cells. HORMONES: Carcinogenic and feminizing. ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance. Labeled Ingredient NITRITE, Interacts with meat amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines which are a major risk factor for childhood cancers. Safer Alternative: Nitrite-Free Organic hot dogs or tofu franks. Whole Milk - (eg. Borden or Lucerne) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients DDT, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. DIELDRIN, Carcinogenic; xenoestrogen. HEPTACHLOR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin; xenoestrogen. HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin. ANTIBIOTICS: Some are carcinogenic, cause allergies and drug resistance. RECOMBINANT BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE and IGF-1: Also, risk factor for breast, colon and prostate cancers. Safer Alternative: rBGH-free Organic skim milk COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS Talcum Powder- (Johnson & Johnson. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredient: TALC, Carcinogenic and a risk factor for ovarian cancer; lung irritant. Safer Alternative: Corn Starch - (Johnson & Johnson, Inc.) Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Make Up (Foundation) (Procter & Gamble. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredients BHA, Carcinogenic. TALC, Carcinogenic; Lung Irritant. TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA), Interacts with nitrites to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. LANOLIN, Often contaminated with DDT and other carcinogenic pesticides. PARABENS, Contact dermatitis. FRAGRANCE, Wide range of unlabeled, untested, and toxic ingredients; contact dermatitis. Safer Alternative: Max Factor Pan-Silk Ultra Creamy Makeup (Max Factor, Inc.) Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste - (Procter & Gamble. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredients: FD&C BLUE #1, Carcinogenic. SACCHARIN, Carcinogenic. FLUORIDE, Possibly carcinogenic. Safer Alternative: Tom's of Maine Natural Non-Fluoride Toothpaste Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna) (Alberto-Culver USA. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredients: FORMALDEHYDE, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer. POLYSORBATE 80, Generally contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. FD&C RED #4, Carcinogenic. FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis. Safer Alternative: Earth Preserv Hair Vitalizer (all scents, but with fragrances) (Earth Preserv, Inc.) Clairol Nice 'n Easy (Permanent Haircolor) (Clairol. Inc.) Labeled Toxic Ingredients: QUATERNlUM-15, Formaldehyde-releaser; carcinogenic; neurotoxic; contact dermatitis and sensitizer. DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA), Carcinogenic; also interacts with nitrites to form a carcinogenic nitrosamine. PHENYLENE-DIAMINES, Includes carcinogens and other ingredients inadequately tested for carcinogenicity; contact dermatitis. PROPYLENE GLYCOL, Contact dermatitis. FRAGRANCE, Wide range of undisclosed ingredients; contact dermatitis. NOTE: Also evidence of causal relation to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other cancers. Safer Alternatives: Igora Botanic - Schwarzkopf, Inc. or Logona Henna Black - Natur Kosmetik HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Ajax Cleanser (Colgate-Palmolive. Inc.) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredients: CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant. WASHING SODA,Caustic. NOTE: Carcinogenicity of silica is admitted in 1994 Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS). (Manufacturer claims to have reduced silica levels since 1993.) Safer Alternative: Comet Cleanser (Procter & Gamble, Inc.) Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.) Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient: CRYSTALLINE SILICA, Carcinogenic; eye, skin and lung irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.) Safer Alternative: Comet Cleanser (Procter & Gamble, Inc.) Lysol Disinfectant Spray (Reckitt & Colman. Inc.) Labeled or Unlabeled Toxic Ingredient: ORTHOPHENYLPHENOL (OPP): Carcinogenic; irritant. (Carcinogenicity is denied in Material Safety and Data Sheet.) Safer Alternative: Airwick Stick Up (Reckitt & Colman, Inc.) Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar (Sandoz Agro. Inc). Labeled Toxic Ingredient PROPOXUR, Carcinogenic; neurotoxic. Safer Alternative: Trader Joe's Herbal Flea Collar for cats or dogs Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer (Monsanto Co.) Labeled Toxic Ingredient SODIUM 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETATE (2,4-D), Carcinogenic with evidence of casual relation to lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers ; neurotoxic; reproductive toxin. Safer Alternative: Organic pesticides For more information, see: Steinman, D. and Epstein, S.S. The Safe Shopper's Bible, Macmillan/IDG 1995, New York, NY (800-434-3422) Epstein, S.S. The Politics of Cancer Revisited, East Ridge Press 1998, Hankins, NY (845-887-6467).

Sodium Laureth Sulfate - Definition

Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective foamer. Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)10CH2(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na. Sometimes the number represented by "n" is specified in the name, for example laureth-2 sulfate. The commercial product is heterogeneous, both in the length of the alkyl chain (12 being the mode of the number of carbon atoms), and in the number of ethoxyl groups, where n is the mean. n=3 is common in commercial products. SLES can be derived from ethoxylation of SDS. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (also known as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) are commonly used alternatives to SLES in consumer products.[1] While SLS is a known irritant,[2][3] some evidence and research suggest that SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure.[4][5] Contents 1 Effects on sensitive skin 2 Health concerns 3 Alternative names 4 References 5 External links Effects on sensitive skin Products containing these substances can affect those prone to eczema and other irritants. These substances provide a foaming quality to the product, allowing for better distribution of the product while washing hair or skin and while brushing teeth. When rinsed off, the product will have cleaned the area but will have taken moisture from the top layers of skin. In people with sensitive skin (prone to dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis and chemical sensitivity), the drying property of these type of detergents can cause flare-ups of skin conditions or may worsen existing conditions.[4][5] Health concerns The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the American Cancer Society stated that the common belief that SLES is a carcinogen is an urban legend.[6] However, the Environmental Working Group has claimed in their Skin Deep Report that SLES may possibly be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.[7] SLES and SLS have been known to become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.[8] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers 1,4-dioxane to be a probable carcinogen.[9] While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages manufacturers to remove this contaminant, it is not currently required by federal law.[10] Alternative names Steol-130, 230, 270, 330, 370 or 460 Stepanol Alkyl ether sulfate Sodium POE(2) lauryl ether sulfate Sodium diethylene glycol lauryl ether sulfate Sodium lauryl ether sulfate for more go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate

OPRAH Article - Health and the Environment - Did you realize how many TOXINS are in the environment around us?

OPRAH & FRIENDS RADIO http://www2.oprah.com/xm/moz/200612/moz_20061212.jhtml Health and the Environment Original Air Date: December 12, 2006 Many of us don't realize how many toxins are in the environment around us. In fact, the things we use to make our world cleaner may actually be the things that are poisoning us, says Deirdre Imus, wife of radio personality Don Imus. Dr. Oz talks to Deirdre about the importance of having safe, non-toxic environments for our children and about her efforts to enhance health through environmentally friendly measures. According to Deirdre, Americans are exposed to more than 82,000 chemicals in our environment, yet the Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed fewer than 2 percent of them for safety. "Knowing that information," Deirdre says, "Why wouldn't we decide to identify, control and ultimately prevent those environmental factors that are making us sick?" Deirdre says her work began more than 15 years ago when she met her husband, who at the time was raising money for kids with cancer. Since then she has launched countless eco-friendly initiatives, including The Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology and the Greening the Cleaning® institutional program, which helps eliminate toxic cleaning agents and replace them with safer, non-toxic alternatives. Deirdre says that according to the Center for Disease Control, 70 to 80 percent of cancers are linked to environmental exposures to toxins. With that in mind, she says it's critical that individuals take steps to eliminate toxins from their households. To get started, she suggests eating meat substitutes and organic food, using all "green" cleaning products and buying organic cotton clothing.

COSMETICS COMPANIES and BREAST CANCER

http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/CosmeticCompanies.html THINK BEFORE YOU GO PINK! COSMETICS COMPANIES and BREAST CANCER It sounds noble: a cosmetics company promises that if you buy one of its products, a portion of the sale will go toward “the fight against breast cancer.” But what if that cosmetic contains chemicals that might actually increase your risk of developing the disease? Many cosmetics contain chemicals known as parabens and phthalates, which recent studies indicate may be linked to cancer development. Parabens are chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone function. (Estrogenic chemicals mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone estrogen, and exposure to external estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.) Phthalates are known to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairments in laboratory animals that are exposed to these chemicals during pregnancy and after birth. Phthalates are also known to be hormone-mimicking chemicals, many of which disrupt normal hormonal processes, raising concern about their implications for increased breast cancer risk. There are numerous other chemicals of concern in personal care products. BCA is particularly concerned about lutein (progesterone), formaldehyde and coal tar due to their links to cancer. The Environmental Working Group recently released Skin Deep, a report on the safety of cosmetics and personal care products. Astonishingly, 1/3 of products tested contain on or more ingredients that are known, probable or possible human carcinogens. Cosmetic companies will argue that we don't need to worry about harmful chemicals in their products because they are only used on our skin and hair. For example, the cosmetics industry has long stated that their widespread use of parabens and phthalates is not harmful because they remain on our skin and are not absorbed into our body. However, a recent study found parabens in human breast cancer tissue, raising obvious questions about the ability of parabens to accumulate in our bodies (Darbre et al. 2004). In September 2000 scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found phthalates at surprisingly high levels in every one of 289 people tested, especially in women of reproductive age. The authors concluded that "from a public health perspective, these data provide evidence that phthalate exposure is both higher and more common than previously suspected" (Blount et al. 2000). Many cosmetic companies will also argue that the level of a harmful chemical in any one product is not enough to harm you, based on studies of chemical exposure in adults. However, science is finding the timing of exposure is crucial, and that even a very small dose of some chemicals can have serious consequences in children and young women who are still developing. Also, we are rarely exposed to a chemical just one time. We may use the same product every day, several days a week, for months or years. In addition, we use dozens of personal care products daily, not just one. So while exposure from one product on one day may be small, the fact is we use numerous products a day for extended periods of time. As a result, scientists are finding chemicals such as parabens and phthalates accumulating in our bodies. Many diseases like cancer, asthma, birth defects and learning disabilities are on the rise, and there is growing evidence that these health problems are linked to the chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, food, and everyday products. It's time we start acting to protect human health. The Precautionary Principle, a common sense approach to chemical use, says "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". It guides us to take action to prevent exposure to chemicals we know or suspect are harmful to our health. In the case of cosmetics, when a product ingredient is known or strongly suspected of being harmful to our healthy, our top priority should be eliminating the use of this chemical and finding a safe substitute to replace it. In many cases, we know safe alternatives do exist and are already being used by some cosmetic companies. The notion of "safe" or "acceptable" levels of hazardous chemicals in our products should only be introduced when we cannot find alternatives. We are entitled to products that won't hurt us. We can't let companies have it both ways. Avon markets itself as “the company for women,” claiming to be the largest corporate supporter of the breast cancer cause in the U.S. But many Avon products contain parabens, according to its own website (including Soy Milk Hand & Foot Therapy, Asian Pear with Ginseng Body Cream, Skin-So-Soft Moisturizing Hand Cream, and many others). Evidence suggests that young females with developing breast tissue are particularly vulnerable to the increased breast cancer risk associated with exposure to external estrogens. Last year, Avon launched a new cosmetics line called “mark,” aimed at young women ages 16 to 24. The company is recruiting teenagers as sales representatives in this program. For more information on Breast Cancer Action’s campaign, see the Follow the Money campaign.UPDATE: Avon will be removing dibutyl phthalates from its product lines. This is a small but important step by a corporate giant. It's important for the people Avon markets to, many of who are women of childbearing age, and it's important for future generations. BCA applauds this first step, and will continue to push Avon to remove other harmful ingredients from their products. Revlon sponsors an annual 5K Run/Walk for Women that in part funds the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program—which, according to www.revlonrunwalk.com, works toward “the control and consequent elimination of women’s cancers.” Meanwhile, The Safe Shopper’s Bible warns against carcinogenic ingredients in several Revlon products, including Revlon Powder Crème Blush, Revlon Powder Crème Make-Up Pressed Powder Full Matte, and Revlon Colorsilk Salon Formula Ammonia-Free Haircolor. UPDATE: in EWG's Skin Deep report, products were assigned scores from 0–10 based on the health concerns associated with their ingredients, with 10 being of highest health concern. Over 80% of the Revlon products tested were rated 7.2 or higher. Revlon High Dimension 10 Minute Permanent Haircolor scored 9.6 and contains both known and suspected carcinogens. Estée Lauder's Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which states its mission as "prevention and a cure in our lifetime," sponsors breast cancer efforts such as the Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative, in which national landmarks such as the Mall of America are spotlighted in pink lights—an effort that is far more likely to generate positive publicity for Estée Lauder than it is to prevent any woman from developing breast cancer. Their products containing parabens include Polished Performance Liquid Makeup and Precision Lash Mascara, according to The Safe Shopper's Bible.UPDATE: Estée Lauder has announced it will reformulate its Clinique and MAC nail polishes to remove phthalates. BCA applauds this step, and will continue to push Estée Lauder to remove other harmful ingredients from their products. Mary Kay, whose web site proclaims that the company’s charitable foundation is ”committed to eliminating cancers affecting women,” does not make it easy for consumers to find out if its products contain potentially harmful ingredients. It’s extremely difficult for a consumer to identify what is in Mary Kay products: the cosmetics are not available in stores, their product descriptions on the web site do not list ingredients, and repeated attempts to get information about product content from a sales representative were unsuccessful.UPDATE: After BCA began this project, Mary Kay representatives contacted us to let us know about an ingredient guide that is available on request. Call 1-800-MARYKAY for more information. Also, a concerned consumer sent us a web link to their product, which is housed on a part of their web site restricted to Mary Kay sellers only. The web link has since been made inactive, and the public and consumer part of their web site does not list this product guide. Lastly, in 2004, BCA co-sponsored important California legislation (AB 2012) regarding the public's right to know about carcinogenic and reproductive toxins in cosmetics and personal care products. Mary Kay was a vocal opponent of the bill. What Can You Do? Take Action! Cosmetic Companies and Breast Cancer Pink Promotions Everywhere Take ActionPress Room Frequently Asked Questions Support BCA Contact BCA © 2007, Think Before You Pink. a project of Breast Cancer Action

The Truth about Walmart

The truth about Walmart!
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/profile.cfm?id=306

Profile: Wal-Mart

"Always low prices", always low standards for corporate responsibility. Wal-Mart dominates the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican markets and is currently China's eighth-largest trading partner. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart confines its leadership to the realm of sales and in other areas promotes the attitude that virtually everything--products, workers, or even communities--can be disposable . Wal-Mart may drive prices down, but it drags the quality of life for millions of people down with it. With hundreds of employees dependent on public assistance to meet their basic needs, American taxpayers subsidize Wal-Mart's low prices at the rate of roughly $420,750 a year for every 200-employee store by paying for low-income services. Women working for Wal-Mart have been denied equal opportunities for advancement. Wal-Mart hurts U.S. communities by undercutting local merchants and increasing urban sprawl, and its suppliers have been cited for labor and human rights violations.
Bottom line: Act now with any of the campaigns below to pressure Wal-Mart to reduce its environmental impact and respect workers around the world.

-- Profile Updated 07/30/2007

Responsible Shopper - Global Research & Action to Stop Corporate Abuse CO-OP America-Economic Action for a Just Planet

Responsible Shopper - Global Research & Action to Stop Corporate Abuse CO-OP America-Economic Action for a Just Planet

http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/rs/profile.cfm?id=262#complaints

Responsible Shopper

Current Campaigns
Campaign for Safe CosmeticsEveryday products such as shampoo, deodorant and make-up contain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health consequences. Cosmetics manufacturers are allowed to use almost any chemical as an ingredient without government approval; however, some leading companies agree that cosmetics should be made with safe, non-toxic ingredients. Over 300 companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a pledge to make safe products and the campaign is calling for all cosmetics companies to do the same. www.safecosmetics.org

Complaints, Abuses, and Scandals
Health and Safety
Despite support from such groups as the Breast Cancer Fund, the Cosmetics, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) actively lobbied against and defeated California legislation seeking a ban on phthalates (chemicals recently banned by the European Union linked to reproductive damage and birth defects) and disclosure of any dangerous chemicals in products. CTFA represents over 600 companies in the industry, including all major cosmetic companies like L'Oreal, Mary Kay, Revlon, Estee Lauder, and Procter and Gamble.
-- Environmental Working Group, 03/11/2005Source URL: www.ewg.org/news/story.php?id=3704

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