Many xenoestrogens (chemicals which the body is tricked into thinking is estrogen) can pose risk for breast cancer. One such chemical is bisphenol- A, (Figure 1) which can interfere with normal estrogen-dependent functions. The increasing prevalence of xenoestrogens in the environment may partly explain the increasing incidence of breast cancer, though direct evidence is not overwhelming.

The use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in the production of plastics began around 1891 (e.g. in baby bottles, food containers, water main pipes, and laboratory and hospital equipment). Its estrogen-like (in this case, estrogen-disrupting) effects began to be noticed in the 1930s. Prenatal exposure to BPA (in rats and mice) changed mammary tissue and led to cancers in adulthood. Other animal studies used BPA to show that when breast cancer has been induced by a carcinogen that risk was increased further. If the animal studies correlate with humans, then even a small exposure to BPA could cause an increased risk for breast cancer.

Exposing cells in culture to BPA can cause neoplastic transformation of human breast epithelial cells.

“Consumer groups recommend that people wishing to lower their exposure to bisphenol A avoid canned food and polycarbonate plastic containers (which are identified as , unless the packaging indicates the plastic is bisphenol A-free. The National Toxicology Panel recommends avoiding microwaving food in plastic containers, putting plastics in the dishwasher, or using harsh detergents on plastics, to avoid leaching”. (thanks wiki)

Some estimate that 92% of canned goods with plastic liners have BPA. WHEN THE BRAND NAME on your canned soup is “Healthy Choice” and the BPA is 323 ppm, it’s kind of sad. I think its going to be a while before companies get the message…. therefore BUY FRESH
http://organicgrace.com
http://treehugger.com

HERE IS THE PDFPRG-DEH_Issue_6

I made this video and rap (but I really don’t like my own voice here, it is too “old lady” and “preachy” and not at all like a rap, and if someone out there in cyberspace wants a volunteer project — send me recordings and i will make a new version with YOUR VOICE and post it) for the breast cancer and the environment research program (I was part of one grant in the program).  I learned that our greatest impact on health (breast cancer included) was most likely to be “what we eat” as that is our biggest environmental interface.  Here is the video (the graphics were a blast to create – using that fairly primitive animation program Swishmax 4, and of course my mainstay vector illustration program, CorelDRAW.

PRG-DEH_Issue_5

The epigenetics of cancer is an exiting field. This is partly because one no longer needs to adopt a fatalistic attitude to tumorigenesis. Its known that many epigenetic changes are reversible, and by definition, are NOT due to direct changes in DNA sequence even though they impact gene expression.
There are many BIOACTIVE agents in our diet, i.e. molecules which actually regulate epigenetic events involved in tumorigenesis. BIOACTIVE dietary components impact epigenetic targets in cancer prevention and therapy as well.

Researchers have shown that some of these dietary agents are: curcumin (turmeric), genistein (soybean), tea polyphenols (green tea), resveratrol (grapes), and sulforaphane (cruciferous plants – cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, and broccoli). The latter may be quite important in prostate cancer cells.

The BIOACTIVE compounds can alter the methyl groups on DNA and the changes in histones (see pictures in ISSUE 4) and in doing so influence some tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting processes. This makes your DIET, which you totally control, a KEY for wellness.

1. Meeran SM, Ahmed A, Tollefsbol TO. Epigenetic targets of bioactive dietary components for cancer prevention and therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2010 Dec; 1: 101-116. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21258631

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables (a great list)

3. Hien T. Le , Charlene M. Schaldach , Gary L. Firestone ¶ and Leonard F. Bjeldanes. Plant-derived 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Is a Strong Androgen Antagonist in Human Prostate Cancer CellsJ. Biol. Chem., Vol. 278, Issue 23, 21136-21145, June 6, 2003.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Most organ systems develop early in gestation and do not become fully mature until weeks, months, or years after birth allowing ample opportunity for interaction with the environment.
Well known environmental encounters include hypoxia, malnutrition, infection, trauma, medical and recreational drugs, and the host of toxins that bombard us from natural and industrial sources.
The impact of exposure during critical periods in development depends upon what processes are critical at that moment — and what systems are disrupted. Deleterious effects can lead to alterations in specific organs and organ systems, permanent damage to the DNA, or semi-permament changes to the DNA,altering gene expression.
The latter are short term adaptive traits in attempt to establish phenotypes that meet the demands of the “current” environment. When changes match the predicted current and later-life demands, the individual will remain healthy, but there is a cost.
Today, more frequently than in past, the abundance of energy dense foods and less exercise, greatly influenced by our lifestyle choices, are in conflict with the programmed adaptive changes made during early development.

Welcome to the first newsletter of this BCERP grant –which brings together scientists and breast cancer survivors in a group dedicated to finding cures and preventions for the greatest killer of women, breast cancer (BCa). We hope you will enjoy our newsletter format which is unique, in that it brings together personal stories, scientific breakthroughs, a little humor, relaxing activities, great recipes and “food” for thought.
Our inboxs (email) are always open to your comments and suggestions as we strive to improve our translation of science into usable information, and be responsive to your questions and concerns. Share our URL with friends and family.
The research aspects of this group represent the long-stainding efforts of Dr. Shuk-mei Ho and colleagues to unravel the issues surrounding environment – gene intereactions in cancer and discovering ways to prevent cancer.
Pink Ribbon Girls was founded when Tracie Metzger and Dawn Harvey realized there was no specific group for young women dealing with breast cancer. Through this non-profit organization, young women are offered education and awareness for early detection, support and an outlet to express fears.