Chemical Triggers Breast Cancer

​

A study reveals that chemicals found in cleaning materials, textiles, plastics, paper and some personal-care products can trigger breast cancer.

According to the senior author of the study, William Baldwin, an assistant professor of biological sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso, the chemical called 4-nonylphenol binds to estrogen receptors in breast tissue which increases the risk for breast cancer.
Part of the problem is that the chemical, which mimics estrogen, may last longer in the body than natural estrogen.
How the Study was Conducted
Baldwin and his team compared the effects of giving differing doses of the chemical, 4-nonylphenol and estrogen to mice. When they followed mice genetically engineered to readily develop breast cancer over 32 weeks, many of those given 4-NP developed breast cancer while those given equivalent doses of estrogen did not.
Baldwin and other experts estimate that established risk factors such as aging, early onset of periods, late menopause, delayed childbearing and genetics explain only about 25 percent to 50 percent of breast cancers, and that environmental exposure plays a big role.
We can now test for this environmental toxin through a test called Toxic Element Core from Genova Diagnostics. The following is a test from one of my patients:



​The good news is you can modify and reduce this toxic chemical. I recommend consulting with someone certified in functional medicine. They will have the training and knowledge to help one reduce this environmental toxin.

References
Acevedo R, Parnell PG, Villanueva H, Chapman LM, Gimenez T, Gray SL, Baldwin WS. The contribution of hepatic steroid metabolism to serum estradiol and estriol concentrations in nonylphenol treated MMTVneu mice and its potential effects on breast cancer incidence and latency. J Appl Toxicol. 2005 Jul 12

The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Visit www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com for more information on our training in functional medicine.

---