Eat organically grown food whenever possible. Many pesticides and herbicides are carcinogenic, and many have a chemical structure that is very similar to estrogens. These can stimulate the growth of breast tumors. Organic food is grown without chemicals or hormones and has been found to be much higher in nutrients than foods grown in commercially fertilized, nutrient-depleted soil. Especially, avoid non-organic eggs, dairy products and meats, as hormones and antibiotics are fed to the animals.

The following fruits and vegetables have been found to have the highest levels of pesticides (when grown non-organically.) Avoid them unless they are organic: strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, peaches, cantaloupe, celery, apples, apricots,green beans, Chilean grapes, cucumbers.

Foods that tend to be low in pesticides

EWG analysis of the latest government test results shows that the following fruits and vegetables have the least pesticide contamination among conventionally-grown foods.

Fruits	Vegetables
1) Pineapples 2) Plantains 3) Mangoes 4) Bananas 5) Watermelon 6) Plums 7) Kiwi Fruit 8) Blueberries 9) Papaya 10) Grapefruit	1) Avocado 2) Cauliflower 3) Brussels Sprouts 4) Asparagus 5) Radishes 6) Broccoli 7) Onions 8) Okra 9) Cabbage 10) Eggplant

Do not use pesticides or herbicides in your home or on your lawn or garden. Lawn and garden chemicals have been found to increase cancer rates in pets and people.

Use only natural underarm deodorants that are free of dangerous chemicals. Avoid anti-perspirants altogether. Underarm perspiration is an important way that the body clears toxins out of the breast area. Anti-perspirants block perspiration and also contain toxic aluminum. 

Eat foods high in anti-oxidants (vitamins A, C, E, selenium, beta carotene) to protect the body from toxic exposures. (deeply colored vegetables and fruits like green leafy vegetables, kale, carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, collards, cabbage, citrus, berries, nuts and seeds.)

Avoid excessive amounts of sugar, fat, alcohol, caffeine, all of which decrease immune system function and may contribute to cancer. Obesity, and high levels of insulin in the blood also increase your risk for cancer.

Sleep in total darkness to increase levels of melatonin. The pineal gland may have a very important interaction through melatonin on the growth of breast cancer through a variety of levels, including influences on the brain, influencing hormones produced by the brain, as well as a direct effect of melatonin itself on breast cancer, which we believe is its primary mode of action. There’s a relationship between estrogen, the estrogen receptor, and the ability of melatonin to inhibit cancer growth.

Avoid long-term use of synthetic or animal derived hormone treatments (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy); investigate natural and plant-derived alternatives for HRT.

Avoid tight clothing that restricts lymphatic system drainage-especially bras. Allow lymph to flow freely.

Avoid Microwave Ovens – they have a negative effect on food nutrient levels.

AVOID PRESCRIPTION DRUGS THAT INCREASE CANCER RISK
Cholesterol Drugs
New research indicates that besides lowering levels of harmful cholesterol, the drugs may also promote the growth of new blood vessels, which may not necessarily be such a great thing. Although this effect may help to prevent heart attacks and other forms of heart disease, it may have the potential to promote cancer as well, as tumors grow by producing new blood vessels.

Calcium Channel Blockers
A higher risk of breast cancer was observed among women taking a common class of blood-pressure lowering drugs called calcium channel blockers, or CCBs. Common types of CCBs include Verapamil, Diltiazem, Nifedipine, and nonnifedipine dihydropyridines

Cimetidine (Tagamet)
The Physician‚s Desk Reference (PDR) lists gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) as a side effect for Tagamet.

Synthetic Estrogens (Prempro, Premarin, all ERT, HRT and Birth Control Pills)
Many of the synthetic estrogens are chemically modified to be different from naturally occurring estrogen to increase drug cpompany profits from a patented drug. Thus, they may have grave side effects. Also there is evidence that they may be stored in the fat for months. HRT has been shown to increase the rate of breast cancer significantly.

Anti-depressants- DEPRESSING NEWS
Certain kinds of antidepressants can double the risk of developing breast cancer, according to a landmark Canadian study.

A list of antidepressant drugs that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer was derived from two separate studies. Drugs are by chemical name, followed by examples of brand names.

Increased risk	No increased risk
Tricyclic antidepressants Amoxapine - Asendin Clomipramine - Anafranil Desipramine - Norpramin Trimipramine - Surmontil, Rhotrimine   Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Paroxetine - Paxil	Tricyclic antidepressants Amitriptyline - Elavil Maprotiline - Ludiomil Nortriptyline - Aventyl Protriptyline - Triptil   Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Sertraline - Zoloft Fluoxetine – Prozac

AVOID CHEMICALS THAT INCREASE CANCER RISK
Cosmetics- Xenoestrogens in Cosmetics
Most recently, medical researchers from Denmark, the United Kingdom and elsewhere have reported that some of the most common detergents, wetting agents and preservatives used in cosmetics and household cleaning products act much like the female hormone estrogen once in the human body; these chemicals, known as xenoestrogens, are strongly suspected of disrupting the normal hormonal processes of both sexes.  An FDA report done in 1988 found 30 percent of cosmetic products contained these carcinogens.

Brands without these suspect chemicals include Aubrey Organics, Dr. Hauschka, Logona and Weleda, as well as many health food store brands

Hair Dyes-Synthetic hair dyes increase risk for certain types of cancers. One-fifth of cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among women are linked to hair-dye use. Indeed, more than a dozen studies link hair dyes with cancer, yet the FDA requires no warning of this hazard on product labels. Certain natural dyes may be safer because they use vegetable colors.

GRECIAN FORMULA for men contains lead acetate. Lead damages the nervous, circulatory, and reproductive systems and is absorbed through the skin.

Lipstick containing lead - Manyof them do. Use lipsticks that do not contain lead.

Fluoride- Avoid fluoridated toothpaste (toothpaste without fluoride and containing natural ingredients may be purchased at most health food stores).

Anti-perspirant Deodorants, which contain aluminum, as aluminum is toxic, and they inhibit detoxification of the breasts and chest area.

Dry-Cleaning- Most dry-cleaners rely on a chemical solvent called perchloroethylene, or "perc". This highly toxic carcinogen has been shown to have harmful effects on the nervous system and all major organs. Many fabrics that say, "dry clean only" don’t require it. Manufacturers often put it on the label to prevent liability because they must accept the return if a garment shrinks or loses its shape. Dry cleaning has long been the only guaranteed method of cleaning that prevents this; so clothing manufacturers get "label happy."

Pet Products - ZODIAC CAT & DOG FLEA COLLAR contains propoxur. This chemical is a carcinogen, according to a 1989 report done by researchers at Cornell University, University of California, and Michigan and Oregon State Universities. It may also cause learning disabilities, according to Basic Guide to Pesticides. All synthetic flea and tick products contain chemicals that are toxic to animals, and have been linked to increased cancer rates in pets.

Bisphenol A 
Bisphenol-A was originally designed for use as a synthetic estrogen replacement. Bisphenol-A is used in drinking water bottles, plastics used in baby bottles, plastics used to pack food, and some dental composites. Contamination was also found in the majority of canned food as high as 27 times the minimum amount of estrogen needed to stimulate breast cancer cells to grow in the test tube.

Phthalates
Phthalates are a family of industrial chemicals that are used as a plastic softeners or solvents in many different products. Phthalates are virtually everywhere. Deodorants, car seats, hair spray, IV bags, perfume, vinyl flooring, wallpaper, and siding all contain phthalates. Some of the leading beauty manufactures use phthalates in their products - such as Pantene Pro V "Healthy Hold" and Aqua Net hair sprays, Arrid and Degree deodorants, many fragrances including Poison by Christian Dior and Coty's Healing Garden contain phthalates, as well as Cover Girl, Sally Hansen and Maybelline (L'Oreal) nail polishes. However, for every ubiquitous use, there are readily available alternatives that are already in use.

The chart outlines products that were tested for phthalates. Because of lax FDA labeling rules, we cannot know if there 5, 50 or 500 more beauty products that contain unlabeled quantities of phthalates. So just because you don't see your favorite product on the list doesn't necessarily mean it's phthalate free. We encourage you to check with the manufacturer.

HAIRSPRAY-Contains Phthalates	FRAGRANCES- Contains Phthalates
Aqua Net Professional Hair Spray Herbal Essences Non Aerosol Hairspray Jheri Redding Finishers Flexible Hold Hairspray Pantene Pro V Strong Hold Spray Pantene Pro V Stronghold Healthy Hold Spray Rave 4x Mega Redken Cat Finishing Spritz Salon Selectives Hold Tight Style Freeze                               Maximum Hold Finishing Spray Sebastian Collection Shaper Plus Suave Maximum Hold Hairspray Unscented,                              non-aerosol Suave Naturals Extra Flexible Hold Non Aerosol                 Hairspray Freesia TRESemme European Freeze-Hold Hair Spray VO5 Crystal Clear 14 Hour Hold    Vidal Sassoon Microfine Mist Hair Spray, Aerosol	Calgon Hawaiian Ginger Body Mist Calgon Turquoise Seas Body Lotion Charlie Cologne Spray Escape by Calvin Klein Eternity by Calvin Klein Fire & Ice Cologne Spray Freedom Jovan White Musk Lancome Paris Tresor Liz Claiborne Eau De Toilette Spray Oscar Parfums de Coeur White Tahitian Ginger Fantasy   Poison by Christian Dior Red Door The Healing Garden Pure Joy Body Treatment White Diamonds Elizabeth Taylor    Wind Song Extraordinary Cologne by Prince Matchabelli
HAIR GEL-Contains Phthalates	DEODORANTS-Contains Phthalates
Clairol Herbal Essences Natural Volume Body Boosting Gel Dep Level 4 Shine Gel LA Looks Styling Gel: Extra Super Hold Suave Naturals Ocean Breeze Extra Control               Spray Gel TRESemme European Slick Melting Gel Pantene Pro V Spray Gel Volumizing Root Lifter	Arrid Extra Extra Dry Maximum Strength Solid Arrid Extra Extra Dry Ultra Clear Ultra Clean Spray Arrid Extra Extra Dry Ultra Clear Ultra Fresh Spray Ban Delicate Powder Roll On Degree Original Solid Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Dove Solid Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Secret Sheer Dry Regular Secret: Powder Fresh Aerosol Sure Clear Dry Antiperspirant & Deodorant
HAIR MOUSSE-Contains Phthalates	NAIL POLISH-Contains Phthalates
Aussie Megahold Mousse Clairol Herbal Essences Styling Mousse                              Maximum Hold Helene Curtis Salon Selectives Rise Up                            Volumizing Mousse Pantene Pro V Mousse Body Builder	Avon beComing Radiant Long Last Nail Gloss Cover Girl NailSlicks Maybelline Express Finish Fast-Dry Nail Enamel Maybelline Ultimate Wear Nail Enamel Naturistics Super Shine Nail Gloss Oil of Olay Nail Laquer OPI Nail Laquer Orly Salon Nails French Manicure Orly Salon Nails Nail Color Sally Hansen Chrome Nail Makeup Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Nail Polish Sally Hansen Hard as Nails With Nylon Nail Polish Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff Nail Color Tropez Nail Enamel Wet N Wild Crystalic Calcium Enriched Nail Color    Wet N Wild Nail Color

Phthalate free

CHEMICALS, FOODS AND HERBS THAT ACT AS ESTROGENS
Source: Women's Therapeutic Institute

Phytoestrogens, Naturally Occurring Plant Estrogens
Plants produce chemicals that mimic estrogen, and block progesterone. In general, it is thought that they tend to wash out of the body within several days in contrast to months or decades that the xenoestrogens take to be excreted. Whole grains, fruits, seeds, beans and herbs all are know to have estrogen and/or progesterone activity. In general, any food that has been eaten by a culture or people group for centuries is probably all right to eat if the people group in question is relatively free from these estrogen related diseases.

When referring to phytoestrogens, it is generally thought that a "weak" estrogen may actually be protective against cancer causing xenoestrogens. The best example, is Lilian Thompson PhD‚s work that showed that oral ground flax seed reduced breast cancer size to one half between the time of diagnosis and surgery. A stronger phytoestrogen may actually make the disease worse.

Chemicals that Mimic Estrogens (Xenoestrogens)
In last decade, new research has come to light that demonstrates that synthetic chemicals that are very different in structure to estrogen may act as an estrogen. The Xenoestrogen in question may either bind to the receptor strongly or weakly. It may also stimulate the receptor strongly or weakly to imitate the effect of estrogen, or it may elicit a response that is an abnormal estrogen response. Thus, these chemicals can cause breast cancer, uterine cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, premature sexual development and uterine fibromas Some of these Xenoestrogens like DDE (a metabolite of DDT) may persist in the body fat for decades.

           Pesticides & Herbicides such as DDT, endosulfan, dieldrin, methoxychlor, kepone, toxaphene, chlordane, and other chlorinated hydrocarbons. DDT is banned in the U.S.  however it still can be found in our food supply.( see "What's In Your Green Tea" in the Environment Section) Synergistic effect is known to occur between pesticides yielding greater toxicity and estrogen effect. However, exact combinations and levels are unknown. Farms, lawns and golf courses use pesticides and herbicides that easily enter the body through the skin and lungs. Golf courses use 7 times the amount of pesticides than farmers use. 

           Preservatives used in skin lotions, shampoos, and body lotions such as the parabens that include methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, proply paraben, butyl paraben. These preservatives are found in the vast majority of skin and body lotions, even in natural progesterone creams. Anything absorbed through the skin is 10 times the concentration of an oral dose.