In today’s world, we are surrounded by environmental and lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of cancer. From the air we breathe to the products we use, the small decisions we make every day can have a significant impact on our health. For Black women in helping professions—often managing chronic stress and caregiving roles—it’s critical to understand these risks and take steps toward prevention.
Here, I’ll break down key contributors to cancer risk, offer practical tips to reduce exposure, and empower you to make choices that support long-term wellness.
Understanding Carcinogens and Their Impact on the Body
Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer. These include chemicals, environmental pollutants, and even medical procedures. While not every exposure leads to cancer, repeated or high-level exposures can increase your risk.
Common Sources of Carcinogens
- Nonstick Pans and Cookware
Nonstick pans often contain chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can leach into food at high temperatures. Studies suggest these chemicals may be linked to cancer development. Switching to stainless steel or cast iron cookware is a safer alternative. One thing to keep in mind is when you go out to eat, you don’t know what kind of cookware is being used so you are potentially putting yourself at risk for exposure everytime you buy food out. - Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Often used to treat acid reflux, PPIs have been linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer. If you rely on these medications, consider discussing natural alternatives or lifestyle modifications with a healthcare provider. - Mental Health Medications
Some medications used to treat depression and anxiety have been associated with increased cancer risks. It’s important to balance the benefits of these medications with potential risks. Work with your healthcare provider to find treatments that support both your mental and physical health.
Radiation and Its Dual Role in Cancer
Radiation is a double-edged sword. While it can destroy cancer cells, it can also damage healthy cells, leading to mutations that increase cancer risk.
Medical Radiation Exposure
- Mammography
Regular mammograms are a standard cancer screening tool, but the compression involved in the procedure can cause cancer cells to spread. Additionally, false positives can lead to unnecessary treatments. Cancer treatments can cause cancer. - Irradiated Foods
While this process helps preserve food, there’s debate about the safety of consuming irradiated items regularly. Opt for fresh, organic produce when possible.
Special note: How Will I Know if My Food Has Been Irradiated?
The FDA requires irradiated foods to bear the international symbol for irradiation, known as the Radura symbol (a green symbol that resembles a plant inside a circle and the top half is dashed lines), along with the statement “Treated with radiation” or “Treated by irradiation” on the label. For bulk items like fruits and vegetables, each piece must be individually labeled or a label must appear near the sale container.
It’s important to note that individual ingredients in multi-ingredient foods, such as spices, are not required to be labeled as irradiated.
Ambient Radiation and EMFs
- Mobile Phones and Laptops
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by electronic devices have been linked to increased risks of brain cancer. Simple steps like using wired headphones, limiting screen time, and not sleeping with devices nearby can reduce exposure.
The Role of Detoxification in Cancer Prevention
Your body is designed to detoxify harmful substances, but chronic exposure to toxins can overwhelm this process. Supporting your liver and bile production is essential for reducing your overall toxic load.
Your body makes bile in the liver, which is like a factory that works all the time. Bile is a special liquid that helps your body digest fatty foods, kind of like soap helps clean greasy dishes. After the liver makes bile, it sends it to a storage bag called the gallbladder. When you eat something with fat, the gallbladder squeezes the bile out into your small intestine, where it mixes with the food to break down the fat so your body can use it.
Bile: Your Body’s Natural Detoxifier
Bile helps eliminate toxins from the body. A sluggish bile system can lead to toxin buildup, increasing your risk of diseases, including cancer.
The liver doesn’t just make bile—it also acts like your body’s filter, cleaning out toxins and waste from your blood. Here’s how it works:
1. Toxins in the Blood: The liver pulls toxins (like chemicals, waste products, or medicines your body doesn’t need) from your blood.
2. Into the Bile: Some of these toxins get mixed into the bile that the liver produces. These toxins are not necessarily in the fat but are substances your body wants to get rid of.
3. Bile and Digestion: When bile is released into your small intestine to help digest fat, the toxins in the bile also go into your digestive system.
4. Elimination: Instead of being absorbed by the body, these toxins travel through your intestines and leave your body in your poop.
The bile acts as a way to carry waste out of your body. This process is one of the liver’s ways of keeping your body clean and healthy!
Powerful Support for Your Liver
- Milk Thistle
This herbal remedy is renowned for its ability to protect and regenerate liver cells. Incorporating milk thistle into your routine can support optimal liver function. - Globe Artichokes
Globe artichokes stimulate bile production, helping to decongest the liver and improve toxin removal. They’re also a rich source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body. - Fasting for Detoxification
Intermittent fasting or longer detox periods can give your body a break from constant digestion, allowing it to focus on repairing and eliminating toxins.
Everyday Choices for Cancer Prevention
Preventing cancer doesn’t require overhauling your life overnight. Small, intentional steps can make a big difference.
Stay Hydrated with Quality Water
Drinking clean, filtered, mineral water reduces your exposure to contaminants like heavy metals and chlorine byproducts, which are linked to cancer. Invest in a high-quality water filter to ensure your drinking water is as pure as possible.
Limit Exposure to Endotoxins
Endotoxins are toxins released by bacteria. They can enter your body through contaminated food or poor gut health. Support your gut with probiotics and a balanced diet rich in fiber, and avoid processed foods.
Be Mindful of Environmental Exposures
Whether it’s the air you breathe or the products you use, reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals can lower your cancer risk. This includes choosing non-toxic cleaning products, avoiding artificial fragrances, and ensuring proper ventilation in your home and workspace.
Empowering Yourself Through Awareness and Action
Understanding cancer risks is the first step toward prevention. By becoming more aware of everyday exposures and making small, consistent changes, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones.
You are powerful, and the choices you make today can have a profound impact on your future health. If this information feels overwhelming, remember to start small—every step counts.
Do you have strategies for reducing exposure to carcinogens or boosting your body’s natural defenses? Share them in the comments below. Let’s continue this conversation and support one another on the journey to better health.
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