In the last several years, I’ve known at least five women – friends, colleagues, sorority sisters, – in their 30s and 40s who’ve had breast cancer.
Both my maternal grandmother and my husband’s paternal grandmother have had it.
So when I was approached with helping the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP) with a current study, I couldn’t say no. They are currently exploring whether exposure to certain chemicals and foods may change how girls’ bodies mature and impact breast cancer risk. And while it is too soon to say for sure that avoiding certain chemicals or foods lowers the risk of breast cancer. it is never too early to begin taking steps.
Scientists, physicians, and community partners in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP), which is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), study the effects of environmental exposures on breast cancer risk later in life. They created a mother-daughter toolkit mothers can use to talk with their daughters about steps they can take together to reduce risk.
Our family already does a lot of these things, but it’s a great reminder to think about what is in our homes and what we put in and on our bodies. I have a six year old girl to look out for and I will do whatever I can to ensure she has the best chance at a healthy life.
If you have a few miniutes, BCERP would really appreciate your help in filling out this survey. Your input is incredibly valuable!
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program
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