Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Risk Factors

In these online conferences, our experts answered questions about environmental and genetic risks for breast cancer. Some of the questions included:

• "Does hair dye, lipstick, makeup, or house cleaning detergent cause breast cancer? What about canned goods that have chemicals that mimic estrogen? I wash my veggies in a vinegar wash and I am not sure if this does anything to stop the effects of harmful pesticides. HELP." Answer.
• "Could the x-rays women are exposed to and the compression during mammograms be an environmental element that could contribute to women getting breast cancer?" Answer.
• “I am almost 18 years out from a single mastectomy of pretty well-established inherited breast cancer. I have three daughters, the oldest now coming into the "subtract 10 years from initial diagnosis" range. Is there anything else that I can do for my girls besides self-breast exams and digital mammograms or ultrasounds?” Answer.
• “My sister, my grandmother, and one aunt have died from breast cancer. I have had a non-cancerous lump removed. Should I have my girls (ages 16 and 14) tested? What does the genetic test entail?” Answer.
• "Having read about artificial estrogens, I store everything in glass containers rather than plastic. I heard that cooking or freezing in plastic can release carcinogens (dioxin?) into the food. And what about fumes from gas heating and cooking? What about plastic water bottles?" Answer.

The conference transcripts in this section are part of the Breastcancer.org Ask-the-Expert Online Conference program.

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