Affiliate Spotlight

Ask the Researcher

This is a new addition to our newsletter in 2012! You ask us a question that you've been wondering about that pertains to breast cancer and we ask our researchers at UAB.

The first question we received and asked our researchers about was:

"I've read a lot lately about plastics and bottled water.  Are plastics really dangerous? How do I know what is safe for me and my family, especially my children"

Answer:

The specific plastic that may be a cause of concern is Bisphenol A (BPA).  This is a fairly common environmental contaminant that can leach from polycarbonate plastic products under conditions of high heat and increased time and use.  There is concern about BPA exposure because BPA has been found to be an “endocrine disruptor.”  “Endocrine” refers to hormones, so an “endocrine disruptor” can change or mimic normal hormone signaling in the body.

A report was released just last month by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a well-respected group of scientists,  that reviewed all of the known studies about environmental causes of cancer.  This report was commissioned by Susan G. Komen for the Cure because of all the questions that have arisen about environmental exposures, including BPA.  Here is a link to the full report:  http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/Breast-Cancer-and-the-Environment-A-Life-Course-Approach.aspx

One of the recommendations in the report is for further studies to determine whether exposure to BPA (and other environmental contaminants) may be more dangerous during certain points in a person’s life, for example, pregnancy, infancy, puberty, etc.  These sensitive points are referred to as “windows of susceptibility.”  Even though the IOM report could not state for certain that there are dangers of increased cancer risk from exposure to BPA, the report did say that there is not enough information about these windows of susceptibility.  The answers to these questions will require more research, and we will not have the definitive answers for years.

Meanwhile, many people are choosing to take the “better safe than sorry” approach, and are taking reasonable steps to avoid exposures to BPA.  How can    you minimize your exposure to these contaminants?  All plastic products are identified by a recycle number which can be found on the bottom of the product.  These recycle numbers represent different categories.  BPA is identified by the #7 recycle number.

The figure below identifies the plastics that are considered to be safer: #1, #2, #4, and #5.  When possible, try to avoid plastics marked with #3, #6, and #7.  Additional information can also be found at this website:  http://www.bcerp.org/COTCpubs/GUH.SafePlasticsGuide.pdf

Although the question was about plastics and bottled water, further exposure to BPA can occur through its use in the lacquer lining of most canned foods. Unlike most chemical additives, BPA migrates into the food solids and cannot simply be rinsed off with water prior to use. 

On October 28-29th Birmingham was honored to have LisaRaye McCoy visit to appear as the Magic City Classic Ambassador courtesy of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise. Circle of Promise is a movement designed to further engage black women around the globe in the fight against breast cancer. LisaRaye is a proud ambassador for this program which encourages women to understand the facts.  As an ambassador, she wants you to know that:

• Although African Americans are diagnosed less, we have a 39% higher death rate from breast cancer.

• Breast cancer is the leading cancer for African American women and our second leading cause of cancer deaths.

• YOU can make an impact!  Early detection is key.  Know what’s normal for you and if you notice changes, see a doctor right away.

• Most importantly, GET SCREENED!  Join LisaRaye and 100,000 other black women around the country by signing up for Circle of Promise today.  www.circleofpromise.org