Cancer is a big scary thing. Breast cancer is one of the most common types*. Here are four simple things I’m doing to reduce my daughter’s risks.
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You may see pink-themed items for sale in support of fundraising efforts. But you can help reduce the risk of breast cancer all year long.
Parents try to help their children grow up healthy. But the environment around a young girl may change the way her body develops. It is too soon to say for sure that avoiding certain chemicals or foods lowers the risk of breast cancer.
Still, to help protect daughters from developing breast cancer later in life, it is never too early to begin taking steps. BCERP has a number of resources for parents and families on how to reduce risk.
Scientists, physicians, and community partners in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP), which is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), study the effects of environmental exposures on breast cancer risk later in life.
They created a mother-daughter toolkit mothers can use to talk to daughters about steps to take together to reduce risk.
4 Ways I’m Reducing My Daughter’s Breast Cancer Risk
1. Reduce use of products with phthalates.
Phthalates (THAL-ates) are chemicals in some detergents, storage containers, toys, and personal care products (like fragrance, nail polish, deodorant, hair care, and body lotion). These products are marked with the number 3 recycling symbol.
I am using detergents with less chemicals, using glass containers, and reading ingredient labels more closely.
Related: Natural cleaning products
2. Reduce use of products with BPA.
BPA (or bisphenol A) is a chemical in some plastic bottles and plastic containers, and in the lining of some cans. It can leak into food and drinks. These products are marked with the number 7 recycling symbol.
I am using plastics without BPA, using glass containers, and reading ingredient labels more closely.
Related: How to Start Recycling at Home
3. Make healthy choices.
We do our best to include all the food groups (including fruits and vegetables) in our day. From school breakfast and packed lunches to the family dinner.
Related: Why Family Dinner is Important
4. Live a healthy active lifestyle and make it something we can do together.
My daughter loves to go to the park. There are several parks in my area that have walking trails, tracks, or even grassy areas surrounding the playground. I often take a walk while kids are playing, while being able to easily keep my eyes on them.
Related: Easy Ways to Fit In Exercise
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*Source: https://www.cancer.gov/types/common-cancers
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