Health:Beauty products and cancer: Are you at risk?/Story: The Rough Patch

Beauty products and cancer: Are you at risk? Have you been unknowingly increasing your cancer risk for the sake of beauty? It depends on what products you use.  “There are concerns with beauty products that contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals may interfere with your hormonal system,” says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., MD Anderson professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program.   “While a direct link between EDCs and cancer is not yet definitive, certain cancers are hormonally-driven,” Cohen explains. They include breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Other beauty and personal care products contain small quantities of known cancer-causing chemicals. “Even a low dose should cause concern, especially if you use the product every day,” Cohen says. But don’t cancel your beauty appointment just yet. Currently, there are no definitive links to cancer. Instead, Cohen advises that you get informed and take proper precautions. Here’s what you need to know: Hair dye: cancer risk unclear Hair straightening products: high cancer risk for some Bath and body care products: known endocrine disruptors Do you really know what’s in your bath and body care products? What you don’t know could hurt you. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane in 28% of all personal care products. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) found the same chemical in more than 40% of products labeled “natural.” This includes shampoos, soaps, and body-firming and anti-aging lotions. Take note: 1,4-dioxane isn’t listed on product labels. Some chemicals that may contain it include: • PEG • Polyethylene • Polyethylene glycol • Polyoxyethylene • Chemicals ending with –eth and –oxynol Most product manufactures have removed known cancer-causing chemicals from baby care products, but adults may remain at risk. Keep in mind: a direct link between personal care products and cancer is not yet established. UV nail lamps: more research needed Make wise choices Your beauty shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. So, until more is known, do your homework (use the EWG’s cosmetic database), check product labels for ingredients and warnings, and try to avoid using products with known cancer-causing chemicals. “A good rule of thumb: If you can’t pronounce the ingredient and you don’t know what it is, you should proceed with caution and seek more information,” Cohen says.  https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/august-2014/cancer-prevention-cosmetic-beauty-tips.html Story: The Rough Patch. By Brian Lies