What You Can Do

Phthalates (THAL-ates) are chemicals found in commonly used household and personal care products.

When we use products made with phthalates, the phthalates can enter our bodies when we breathe, put them in our mouths, or rub them on our skin. While researchers have not made a direct connection between ingesting or absorbing phthalates and getting breast cancer, here are some suggestions to consider:

Look at the labels of products like perfume, nail polish, deodorant, shampoo, body lotion, cosmetics, detergents, hair spray, and soap. When possible, choose ones that say “phthalate-free” or do not have the word “phthalate” anywhere in the ingredients. (You might not see “phthalate” by itself. Instead, you might see ingredients like “di-n-butyl phthalate” or “diethyl phthalate” or “benzylbutyl phthalate.”)
Consider buying fragrance-free products. Phthalates may not always be listed separately on product labels. Instead, they may be part of what is listed simply as “fragrance” in the ingredients. If you do not see the words “phthalate-free” on the label of a personal care product, you may wish to buy a fragrance-free version, when you have a choice.
Reduce your use of plastic food and beverage containers, and plastic or vinyl toys with the number 3 in the recycling triangle. They contain phthalates.

Remember: Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• Fact Sheet on Phthalates – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Phthalates – Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
• Phthalates Fact Sheet – Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers
• Phthalates – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Quick Guide to Safe Plastics – Mount Sinai School of Medicine

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made chemical that is added to certain hard-plastic containers often used for food and beverages. It is also used to line the insides of many of the metal cans used for canned food, and can be found in some cash register receipts.

BPA seeps from the plastic containers into food and beverages, especially when the plastic containers heated. So eating or drinking things that were held in containers made with BPA means you are eating or drinking small amounts of BPA.

While researchers have not made a direct connection between ingesting BPA and getting breast cancer, here are some logical steps to consider taking on behalf of your daughter:

Reduce your use of plastic food and beverage containers with the number 7 in the recycling triangle. They often contain BPA. Instead, use glass food and beverage containers, including baby bottles.

If you use plastic baby bottles, buy those that say “BPA free” on the label.

Microwave food in glass containers. (Heating food in containers made with BPA releases BPA into the food.)

Add fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables to your family’s meals, instead of using canned foods.

Wash hands after handling cash register receipts or ask to receive receipts by e-mail, when available. Recent studies have found BPA in some cash register receipts. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program have initiated studies to see how much BPA people who handle cash register receipts are exposed to, but do not yet have any results

Remember: Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• Bisphenol A — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Fact Sheet on BPA — NIEHS National Toxicology Program
• Quick Guide to safe Plastics — Mount Sinai School of Medicine

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information

Healthy eating guidelines, such as the following adapted from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recommend:

• Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;

• Including lean meats, poultry, fish, beans (including soy), eggs, and nuts; and
• Choosing foods that are low in animal fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

Remember: Small changes may add up over time. Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• ChooseMyPlate.gov — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Core Nutrition Messages Just for moms — USDA
• Eating Healthy on a Budget

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information

While it is too soon to say for sure that a girl’s risk of developing breast cancer is reduced when she eats less animal fat, you may wish to reduce your use of foods like beef, pork, or chicken fat; butter, cream, or cheese.

Some studies using laboratory animals (primarily rats and mice) indicated that when animals were fed foods high in animal fat, they matured earlier than expected. Other research in humans shows a link between an early first period and a higher risk of developing breast cancer as an adult.

Remember: Small changes may add up over time. Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• Dietary Fat — Mayo Clinic
• Saturated Fat — American Heart Association

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information

The impact of eating foods rich in soy on one’s breast cancer risk is being researched.  It is believed that soy’s effects are complex and change throughout a woman’s life.

Although this relationship is not fully understood, two studies have found that children who consumed large amounts of soy in childhood had a lower risk of breast cancer later in life. More research is needed before any recommendations can be made related to soy and its impact on breast cancer risk.

Remember: Small changes may add up over time. Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• Soy Phytoestrogens (Plant Estrogens) and Breast Cancer Risk – Cornell University

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information

Regular physical activity can help people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities stay healthy. It can help children be healthy and stay healthy as they grow up, and may also reduce their risk of certain cancers (including breast cancer), stroke, and diabetes.

Exercise includes many types of activities, not just going to the gym.  Walking a few extra blocks, using the stairs instead of an elevator, playing on the playground, working in the garden, and even doing certain chores all can be considered physical activity. Even active playing counts.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that children from 6 to 17 do one hour or more of physical activity per day. Adults are encouraged to have their physical activity add up to at least two hours and 30 minutes over the course of each week.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations include dedicating time each day for infants and toddlers to have “active play” sessions.

People who have disabilities or special conditions (pregnancy, chronic medical conditions) should discuss with their healthcare provider what types and amounts of physical activities are appropriate for them.

Remember: Small changes may add up over time. Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• Let’s Move! – Initiative of First Lady Michelle Obama
• Physical Activity, Age-Specific – American Academy of Pediatrics
• We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition) – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information

Children try to be like their parents or others who care for them. If they see you choosing healthy foods and being active yourself, they will be more likely to do the same. You can influence them best when you spend time together food shopping, cooking, walking, and playing. However, even when you can’t spend time being active with your children, encourage them as much as possible to make healthy choices. Most of all, have fun!

Remember: Small changes may add up over time. Take whatever steps you can, and do them whenever you are able.

For more information:

• Fun Family Recipes & Tips – National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
• Make Family Time Active Times – NHLBI
• Making Physical Activity a Part of a Child’s Life – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View a glossary of terms and links to additional information