Tag Archives: cosmetics

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer with an estimated diagnosis of 331,530 women and 2670 men this year in the US alone. Research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst published on January 15 2020 observed that chemicals in everyday items can increase the chances of breast cancer in women.

Cancer is a dangerous illness, caused by the uncontrolled 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.  These estimations may now have to take into consideration th

Chemical Structure of Benzophenone-3 aka Oxybenzone Source: Wikipedia

e dangers of sunscreen and cosmetics, including makeup, hair products, and moisturizers.These everyday products are known to contain the chemicals benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and propylparaben (PP).

The study indicates that 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 n

Chemical Structure of Propylparaben Source: Wikipedia

ormal levels of exposure to women, there was no cause for concern.

However, the study showed that mice exposed to oils containing BP-3 and PP had an increase in cancer. The results suggest that BP-3 and PP effect cells that contain oestrogen receptors. High levels of oestrogen has previously been linked to an increase in breast cancer.  The exposure to BP-3 and PP at only a fraction of the cancer promoting concentration was shown to increase DNA damage by causing structures known as R-Loops.

Dr Joesph Jerry of UMass Amherst, science director of Pioneer Valley Institute, and co-director of Rays of Hope Centre for Breast Cancer. Source: UMass Amherst from EurekAlert!

Based on the results, Dr Joseph Jerry, the professor of Veterinary & Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst warns that, “There may be a risk at lower levels than we would have previously understood,”.

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

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.

Source: Public Domain Pictures

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