Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer with an estimated diagnosis of 331,530 women and 2670 men this year in the US alone. Cancer is a incredibly dangerous illness, caused by the unfiltered division of cells in the body. It is predicted that this year 41,760 women and 500 men will die of breast cancer in the US. Research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst published on January 15 2020 found that benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and propylparaben (PP) can increase the chances of breast cancer.
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Because of this, the estimations may now have to take into consideration the dangers of common everyday items that include the chemicals BP-3 and PP. BP-3 is commonly found in sunscreen as it helps to block harmful UV light that may cause damage to the skin. PP is a chemical widely used in the cosmetics industry and can be found in items such as makeup, hair products and moisturisers.
Previous research into the effects of BP-3 had shown that only extremely high concentrations could promote cancer growth. Since these concentrations were far beyond the normal levels of exposure to women, there was no cause for concern. However, this new research shows that cells containing oestrogen receptors, important for regulating gene activity, require only a fraction of the cancer promoting concentration of BP-3 to cause damage to the DNA of the cell. “There may be a risk at lower levels than we would have previously understood,” says professor of Veterinary & animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, science director of Pioneer Valley Institute, and co-director of Rays of Hope Centre for Breast Cancer Research, Dr. Joseph Jerry.
The study shows that DNA damage only occurs in cells containing oestrogen receptors, and that all other cells show no adverse effects.
It might be time to take a look at the ingredients in your everyday items!
– Chantell Jansz
