Dioxin's interference with breastfeeding might be connected to breast cancer.
Scientists estimate that 10 percent of all breast cancer is caused by genetic or hereditary factors. The causes of the remaining 90 percent of breast cancer cases are under constant research. Studies have shown links between the carcinogens called dioxins and a specific increase in breast cancer. Though the research is ongoing as of 2010, there already exists a great deal of information about the effects of dioxins and breast health.
What Are Dioxins?
Dioxins are a chemical pollutant. They are usually created unintentionally as byproducts of industrial processes, such as the production of pesticides and paper products. Dioxins can even be created as a result of a forest fire. If dioxins enter the human body, through food, air or water, they can be extremely harmful.
Avoiding Exposure
It is difficult to avoid exposure to dioxins, with some scientists believing that all modern humans are at least minimally exposed. Humans are usually exposed to dioxins through the food they eat. This is especially true of animal products, as dioxins accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals exposed to them. Humans then eat that fatty tissue in their diet. Besides avoiding living in industrial areas, one of the only ways to limit dioxin exposure is to eat less meat and leaner cuts. However, this will not guarantee you freedom from dioxins.
Dioxins and Increase in Breast Cancer
A 2002 study published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives drew a distinct link between women with high exposure to the most toxic strain of dioxin, called TCDD, and breast cancer. The study examined a group of women living in one of the world's highest-concentrated areas of TCDD. The study found that all women in the study suffering from breast cancer had high levels of TCDD in their bodies. The precise process that galvanizes dioxins into breast cancer is still being studied.
Dioxins and Lactation
One school of thought as to why dioxins increase breast cancer specifically has to do with lactation. Studies show that women who have lactated have reduced risk of breast cancer. However, a study performed at the University of Rochester Medical Center showed that overexposure to dioxins disturbs the endocrine system and cause complications with breast tissue and lactation in pregnant women. It is a possibility that this endocrinological disturbance removes the protection lactation offers women against developing breast cancer.
Dioxin and Breast Cancer Myth
There is a long circulated myth that the microwaving and freezing of plastic food containers can make breast cancer-causing dioxins seep into a person's food. There is no evidence supporting this myth. According to Dr. Rolf Halden of Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health, it is not believed that plastic even contains dioxins. There is no proof that heating or cooling plastic food containers causes breast cancer through dioxins.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, Breast Cancer, Dioxin Breast, Dioxin Breast Cancer, food containers
