Unveiling Hidden Risks: How Everyday Choices Impact Your Cancer Risk
With the recent rise in cancers around the world, it’s important to be mindful of things you may be doing that can increase or lower your risk.
Contributing Factors to Developing Cancer
Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine (hormone) system, potentially causing negative effects on development, reproduction, and overall health. They can mimic, block, or alter natural hormones, leading to imbalances in the body.
In the context of cancer, endocrine disruptors can promote or accelerate tumor growth by mimicking or interfering with hormones that regulate cell division and growth, particularly in hormone-sensitive tissues like the breast, prostate, and thyroid. This hormonal disruption can increase the risk of certain cancers by altering normal cellular signaling pathways.
Common Endocrine Disruptors
Bisphenol A (BPA) – Found in plastics, receipt paper, and food packaging, mimics estrogen.
Phthalates – Found in plastics, cosmetics, and personal care products, can interfere with testosterone.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – Industrial chemicals used in electrical equipment, now banned but persistent in the environment, disrupt multiple hormone systems.
Dioxins – Byproducts of industrial processes, interfere with estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones.
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – Used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, Lululemon yoga pants, and firefighting foams, can disrupt thyroid and reproductive hormones.
Atrazine – A common herbicide, can interfere with estrogen levels.
Organochlorine Pesticides – Includes DDT (now banned in many countries), affects estrogen and other hormones.
Parabens – Preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products, mimic estrogen.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) – Flame retardants used in furniture and electronics, can disrupt thyroid hormones.
Triclosan – An antibacterial agent found in soaps and toothpaste, impacts thyroid hormones.
Phytoestrogens – Naturally occurring in soy and other plants; although not synthetic, they can affect estrogen levels.
Recommended Further Reading
Countdown
by Shanna Swan, PhD
To learn more about endocrine disrupting chemicals commonly found in our modern world and their effects on health and fertility rates, I highly recommend this meticulously researched book by Shanna Swan, PhD.
Mammograms & Screenings
Screenings are often portrayed as a helpful preventative measure, but recent research shows that many screening tools that use radiation, such as mammograms can actually increase the risk of developing cancer.
If you choose to screen for cancer, it is recommended that you research the method of screening to find one that is low risk.
Processed Foods
It’s well known that regularly consuming processed foods such as deli meat, foods with added artificial dyes and preservatives can all increase risk for certain cancers.
Some people may argue that “well I ate that when I was growing up and I turned out ok”. The fact is that, no you didn’t. Most foods that have been available since the mid-century, contain completely different ingredients now than they did back then (see the post below for some examples). It’s also worth noting, that American versions of these products have far more chemical additives than the same products in other countries.
MRNA COVID-19 Vaccinations
While data on this is preliminary and some is anecdotal, healthcare providers are currently raising the alarm that these MRNA-based treatments can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, among other health conditions.
This video by Dr John Campbell on the recent spike in turbo cancers explains in more detail.
In his video, Dr Campbell mentions that young people are developing cancer at an unprecedented rate, and these cancers are very fast moving and are not easy to treat. Read a full summary of that video here.
In addition to these turbo cancers, healthcare providers are sounding the alarm about the unprecedented rise in a plethora of other conditions including heart conditions, pneumonia, diabetes and others.
Immune System Dysfunction
Dr Campbell and other physicians have pointed to the MRNA’s effects on the function of the immune system as one of the possible reasons why these cancers may be developing and spreading so aggressively.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Modern processed foods are generally devoid of many essential nutrients, leaving people who consume processed and ultra-processed foods for much of their diet to become deficient in certain nutrients over time.
Even people who consume the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables may still be deficient. Modern conventional farming practices have severely depleted the minerals and vitamins present in the topsoil where all of our food is grown, making foods contain up to 90% fewer nutrients compared to food grown in the 1950’s.
The only way I see to combat this would be to purchase regeneratively grown foods wherever possible, and take food-based vitamins if needed to fill in the gaps. Regeneratively grown fruits and veggies are usually much more expensive and harder to find consistently in stores.
Vitamin D & Sun Exposure
Another common vitamin deficiency that plagues us here in the west is Vitamin D. Most of us work indoors and get far too little sunlight. There has also been a push in recent years for people to avoid sunlight with the goal of slowing signs of aging and reducing risk of skin cancer. Dermatologists are telling their patients this information, and you see these trends on places like r/skincareaddiction, x/twitter and instagram.
A Midwestern Doctor wrote a really great evidence-based article covering dermatology’s ongoing skin cancer scam. Highly recommend giving it a read if you’re new to this line of research, but here are the main points covered:
Sunlight is crucial for health, and avoiding it doubles mortality rates and cancer risk.
Skin cancers are the most common cancers in the U.S., leading to widespread “advice” to avoid the sun. However, the deadliest skin cancers are linked to a lack of sunlight.
The dermatology field, aided by a top marketing firm, rebranded themselves as skin cancer (and sunlight) fighters, becoming one of the highest-paid medical specialties.
Despite billions spent annually, skin cancer deaths haven't significantly changed. Likewise, the Dermatology profession has buried a variety of effective and affordable skin cancer treatments.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Strengthens bones: Improves calcium absorption for bone health.
Boosts immunity: Helps the body fight infections.
Enhances mood: Supports serotonin production for better mental health.
Supports heart health: Linked to lower blood pressure and heart disease risk.
Balances hormones: Helps regulate insulin and blood sugar levels.
Aids skin health: Promotes skin cell repair and may reduce acne.
May reduce cancer risk: Associated with lower risk of certain cancers.
Improves muscle strength: Beneficial for muscle function, especially in older adults.
The Problem with Sunscreens
Many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that can actually increase risk for certain cancers. While some of these chemicals have been banned, many are still widely used in sunscreens, personal care products and makeup.
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
Health Concerns: Endocrine disruption, cellular damage, and potential carcinogenic effects.
Cancer Links: Studies suggest oxybenzone can promote the development of certain skin cancers and breast cancer due to its ability to mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance.
Absorption: Oxybenzone is easily absorbed through the skin, detected in blood, urine, and breast milk, raising concerns about long-term exposure.
Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
Health Concerns: Endocrine disruption, allergic reactions, and potential cellular damage.
Cancer Links: Octinoxate has been shown to increase production of free radicals when exposed to sunlight, which can damage skin cells and potentially lead to melanoma and other skin cancers.
Environmental Impact: Besides health effects, octinoxate is harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Homosalate
Health Concerns: Hormone disruption and cellular damage.
Cancer Links: Homosalate can break down into toxic by-products, some of which may promote the development of cancers, though direct links are still under study. It's known to disrupt estrogen, androgen, and progesterone pathways.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
Health Concerns: Oxidative damage and photo-carcinogenic effects.
Cancer Links: When exposed to sunlight, retinyl palmitate can break down to produce free radicals, which may accelerate skin tumor development and contribute to skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma.
Avobenzone
Health Concerns: Instability in sunlight, leading to breakdown products that can cause oxidative stress.
Cancer Links: While not directly linked to cancer, avobenzone can degrade into potentially harmful by-products, which may have carcinogenic properties when exposed to UV light.
Octocrylene
Health Concerns: Can produce benzophenone as it degrades, which is a potential carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.
Cancer Links: Benzophenone has been linked to liver cancer and may promote skin cancers through its potential to create DNA damage in cells.
Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Ethylparaben)
Health Concerns: Endocrine disruption and potential estrogenic effects.
Cancer Links: Parabens can mimic estrogen, which may increase breast cancer risk and is linked to hormone-sensitive cancers. Although used less frequently now, parabens are still found in some sunscreens.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of modern cancer risks requires a proactive approach rooted in awareness and informed choices. From understanding the pervasive impact of endocrine disruptors to reevaluating the safety of common practices like routine screenings and sunscreen use, it’s clear that many factors influence our health in ways that are not always transparent. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, seeking out natural and regenerative options, and embracing a balanced relationship with nature—like adequate sun exposure for Vitamin D—we can take meaningful steps toward lowering our cancer risk. Ultimately, empowering ourselves with knowledge and challenging conventional narratives equips us to make decisions that support long-term health and well-being.
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