Plastics, Pesticides, Processed Food and Deodorants: What Really Raises Breast Cancer Risk?

Reasonable evidence

• Processed and red meat: the WHO's cancer agency classes processed meat as carcinogenic (proven for bowel cancer) and red meat as probably carcinogenic. Links with breast cancer are suggestive, so limit both. Meat cooked at very high heat or charred forms additional harmful compounds.
• Ultra-processed food: packaged snacks, sweet drinks and ready meals promote weight gain and, in several large studies, are linked to higher cancer risk, including breast cancer.

Chemicals in FOOD

• BPA (bisphenol A): a plastic and can-lining chemical that mimics oestrogen. Laboratory studies show effects on breast tissue. Since it is easy to reduce, be cautious: never heat food in plastic, keep water bottles away from hot cars, and prefer steel or glass.
• Pesticides and herbicides: residues on produce are common in India. Older pesticides such as DDT act like oestrogen. Wash, soak and peel produce and choose seasonal vegetables.
• Outside food and preservatives: restaurant and street food is often high in refined flour, sugar, salt and re-used frying oil, which encourage weight gain. Nitrite preservatives in cured meats are the main concern; most other preservatives have no proven link to breast cancer.
• Deodorants and antiperspirants: Aluminium and parabens all are to be avoided.

The takeaway

Dr. Sujata Mittal, Senior Gynaecologic Oncologist, Famicare Speciality Centre, Rohini, New Delhi