Hello Everyone,
Thank you for joining me here on my Think Pink, Live Green column, where I’ll be addressing environmental impact on breast cancer risk from my new dual-citizenship perspective as the “patient doctor.” Let me explain.
You might be already familiar with my doctor role: as president and founder of Breastcancer.org and a practicing radiation oncologist with over 20 years experience treating patients with breast cancer. But what is new and strange is my patient role. I was diagnosed with an early-staged breast cancer this past April, which was detected by my annual mammogram. My treatment plan, consisting of surgery and hormonal therapy, was based on the unique extent and nature of the cancer, my complex family history, as well as my personal preferences and circumstances. I’m now recovering nicely, feeling strong, and regaining my usual optimism, drive, and determination.
Like you, I never want to see that damn cancer again. I’ve done essentially everything my doctors recommended, but it’s now up to me to make changes in my everyday life to become as healthy as possible. And as it turns out, there is a lot that we all can do to help lower the risk of recurrence or of ever being diagnosed with breast cancer in the first place.
Everything is on the table: what we eat, drink, breathe, take, and use from the kitchen, pantry, cleaning shelf, and medicine chest; how we handle stress, sleep at night, make reproductive choices, treat ourselves, and interact with others. All of these factors affect how our outside environment affects the inside environment within our bodies.
Sound like a big job? In fact, it’s going to take a movement, called Think Pink, Live Green, which is based in science, grounded in medicine, and will be delivered in clear terms with easy-to-follow strategies. We’re certainly not starting from scratch. Think Pink, Live Green represents the results of a research project I’ve been working on for two years with Dr. Joan Ruderman of Harvard Medical School, identifying emerging environmental factors that can potentially contribute to the risk of breast cancer.
The first educational program of Think Pink, Live Green is this expert column on Breastcancer.org, with effective and practical information and tips on things like choosing the safest sunscreens and cosmetics, buying organic at the grocery store, and what cleaning and household products are safe to use. We know far from everything – but we know enough to have serious concerns about using various products and making different lifestyle choices.
I want to paint a realistic view about what is in our daily power to do, taking into account time, financial, and other constraints. My column will make the most sensible and responsible recommendations and suggestions based on what we know so far and our best judgment. The information and guidance will draw upon my experience as a physician and educator, mother and wife, as well as household manager, shopper, dedicated foodie (only willing to sacrifice so much), budget juggler, multitasker, and peacekeeper. I will also draw from my new experience and perspective as a breast cancer survivor. Dr. Ruderman has her sleeves rolled up too, ready to help us understand the science. At this time we won’t know for sure what changes will matter most in each person’s life. There are no guarantees. But we are confident that all of us would prefer to be safe than sorry.
Think Pink, Live Green is probably the greatest and most ambitious program of my career and Breastcancer.org’s mission: the opportunity to protect many more precious lives worldwide and, at the same time, to protect the environment and future generations. To accomplish such high goals, we have to work together. You have my full commitment and I hope I have yours. Please join me as we discover things you can do to reduce your risk. You can follow Think Pink, Live Green right here on Breastcancer.org or catch updates on Facebook or Twitter. You can also sign up for our monthly column round-up emails to get this information in your inbox. I can’t wait to start working with you!
Thank you for your participation.
Best,
Marisa
Marisa C. Weiss, M.D.
The Patient Doctor
President & Founder, Breastcancer.org
I have mixed feelings. I made a lot of lifestyle changes and did everything I could to reduce my risk, which was high due to family history and other factors. I got breast cancer anyway. While I recognize that people should do what they can to be informed and reduce risk, I don’t think we need to give people more reasons to blame cancer victims.
You see and hear so much on the news, but I know that whatever I read here will be based on fact and research. I look forward to following this thread. Thanks Dr. Weiss.
Thank you. This sounds like it will be a very valuable and practical resource.
Bravo!
I thank you for this Dr. Weiss. I am really looking forward to this.
Just thinking out loud here:
Will there be a place to post our comments ( like this one here)?
I am very excited to see an active thread on this topic, that continues to educate.
In respect,
Laura
I am very excited to see that you are doing this. Many of us have already adopted a ‘greener’ lifestyle with our breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks!
Yes, I think this is great! I will say, however, that toxicities are probably just one contributor. As a long-term vegetarian, yoga-practicing, non-toxic product user, I think stress and the way we live also needs to be seriously addressed. And I fear this is actually the much harder thing to attack than choosing what we do or don’t eat, wear, or use.
Let’s Do It!
I am thrilled about this new resource which will be based on factual research. I am looking forward to reading, learning and participating in this forum. Many thanks Dr. Weiss!
I lived a good healthy life, fit life with no HRT and was diagnoised last year with early breast cancer.
I think your idea is great-just not sure where you can shut the door once the horse is out of the barn.
This is exactly what I’m doing my dissertation on. It is so important that more people are informed of the detriments of these ingredients.Thank you.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Breastcancer.org, PinkKitchen. PinkKitchen said: Currently reading @Breastcancerorg: http://community.breastcancer.org/blog/welcome-to-the-think-pink-live-green-column/ […]
I love it! Since I have been diagnosed I have been trying to make alot lifestyle changes to improve my chances of not seeing this awful disease come back!
Ironically the year before I was diagnosed I started being alot more “greener” both at work and home. I was involved in starting a green team at work and was asked to sit on a “green team” in our city as well as making numerous lifestyle changes at home. I look forward to your thoughts and ideas on what to do/use!
Thank you for this and breastcancer.org!
Cathy
I personally would love some good recommendations on beauty products that are ‘green’ that actually work. Since I’ve tried many new natural products my skin (especially my face) has aged. Yes, I’m getting older LOL, but I’m so tempted to go back to my national brand anti-aging products.
I also choose greener solutions since they tend to have less impact on the earth as they enter our water ways (laundry, dishwasher effluent) and earth (landfills). So although I know a lot, I’d love to learn more.
Thanks,
Annie
With a strong history of heart disease in my family I went to extremes when it came to good healthy living. Prior to my diagnosis, I was the healthiest person I knew.
I read an article in a Science Journal not so long ago that indicated no cancer was evident in Egyptian Mummies. No trace was seen anywhere of the disease. I wonder if the industrial society in which we now live in plays a role. We are now confronted with air pollution, food additives, chemicals in fertilizers etc.etc.etc.. There is a huge social cost I believe we are paying, for the modern industrial world in which we live.
Thank you Dr. Weiss for taking on this monumental task. I for one, am extremely appreciative of your efforts.
Thank you, Dr. Weiss, I think everything that we can do to help ourselves empowers us.
I know that we can get cancer back anyway (I did, despite enormous “greening” efforts and node negative status) but hey, we can also get hit by a bus. It is very discouraging tho to do everything right and still get it back.
All info is power, and more power to you!!! I hope you are doing well!
Hi MacDee, thank you for your feedback. I understand your concerns and share your feelings about not wanting to imply we are blaming anyone for things we may not have known in the past or things we can’t change — for instance, as you mention, our family histories. However, I strongly believe, and, in some cases, I know, there are things everyone can do to lower their risk of breast cancer — or, for many of us, to lower our risk of a recurrence. No one is in control of all factors, even when you put your whole mind to it, so we can only do the best we can — but better to do something meaningful rather than nothing beyond “doctor’s orders.” Our recommendations will be based on our current knowledge and best judgment. Some steps will help some women, other steps will help other women. There are steps that might help everyone and steps that may end up helping no one. Of course, there are no guarantees, but if anything these steps might possibly lead to an earlier or more favorable diagnosis. I hope everyone will strive to do the best they can moving forward and that the dialogue continues to grow.
Thank you Dr. Weiss for taking on this new roll. I have alot of free time and do alot of my own research but there are many women out there who dont have the time or resources to figure all this out. I know they, as well as myself, will appreciate your time and effort. You bring alot valuable information as a medical doctor and survivor that the rest of dont have. Again, thank you for this.
Jackie
Dr. Weiss, Thank you for taking this on. It is perfect timing for me as I am now trying to rid my body of built up toxins in the hopes of making it an inhospitable place for cancer to survive. I am working with a Naturopathic Oncologist who ordered an Environmental Pollutants Panel on me, due to the many years of my being around military installations. I have high levels of Xylene, Toluene, Trimethylbenzene, Styrene and an extremely high level of Phthalic Acid. I am following her advice, have added a few supplements and am trying to sweat the toxins out in a sauna. But I’m also trying to eliminate or reduce my exposure and any information you can provide on this site is greatly appreciated. I thought I was living a pretty healthy lifestyle, but am discovering just how ignorant I was.
Thank you for being willing to look and give advice on prevention. I’ve had a recurrence and thot after chemo and herceptin that I would continue being gun-ho in the lifestyle changes….but I’m still tired and short of breath when I work outdoors, so my lists are shorter and I keep plugging away on the yard and storm windows rather than setting aside a “work-out” time. And I do love working out but no longer does using energy beget energy like in my pre-cancer days as an energizer bunny. SO I strive to get tasks done. And it isn’t easy to not eat sugary sweets or carbs thinking they’ll give me a buzz/ more energy. Same way with consuming caffeine. So please pour it on with tips to avoid cancer in all of our futures. thanks.
I’m soooo into this. I’ve just ending my treatment and ready to start life cancer free and was thinking that I would have to start from scratch learning all of this. Thank you for putting it all in one place. Where will it be located in the site regularly? For now I’ll bookmark this.
With all due respect….I presented with metastatic breast cancer. I will always have cancer–too late to lower my risk and/or guard against recurrence.
I an not the Little Engine That Could–I am a woman with an incureable disease. Even if I “put my whole mind to it” I can’t unsnarl my defective DNA.
I will continue to look to you for the most up to date info. I have been reading like crazy and would love to hear about things that will truly impact my ability to stave off further recurrence.
Dr Weiss: I am thrilled that your are starting this column. I feel newly determined to try to eliminate as many risk factors from my life as I can– in the form of unhealthy food additives, environmental toxins etc. I am very interested in knowing what the latest research shows on what positive steps we can take to prevent recurrence. You are an inspiration to us all, now more than ever.
Hello Dr Weiss
I completely changed my lifestyle back in August when I was told I had diabetes type 2 – I was doing extremely well and lost about 10 kilos (22lbs) when on October 8, I was told I had breast cancer. My world has changed again, but I am still trying to keep up this new ‘lifestyle’ . I am living with a sister in Perth in WA (my home is actually in Queensland) so she can help me with Chemo side effects etc. I will welcome any ideas you promote on this site for a healthy lifestyle. I feel like I have lost control over so many things in my life, this is at least, one important thing I can manage. thank you 🙂
Hi sweeney, thank you for your message — I’m so glad you’ll be joining us. All of these columns will be available through the Breastcancer.org Blog — just click on “Think Pink, Live Green” under the Categories section to get them all listed together.
Dr Weiss:
This is going to be an interesting column. I am a Critical Care RN who was diagnosed in 2005 with an estrogen positive, strongly positive HER2Neu IDC. I changed my diet and added a lot of vitamins and supplements to my daily regimen. Thank God, I remain cancer free. Will there be room here to venture into the realm of complimentary medicine? BTW I am one of the “chatters” who wouldn’t be here today had I not found BCO near my time of diagnosis. I am forever grateful for this site and the “chatter” sisters I found here.
Dr. Weiss,
I heard you speak at the LBBC conference and am in awe of you. Your presentation was inspiring and encouraging. I am grateful that such a brillant, articulate woman is sharing her knowledge and passion.
Hello Doc.some advise please! xray What is Pelvis calcifications most likely represent vascular calcifications.
And can it be related to hip and buttock pain.
Ultrasound Abdoman:
Enlarged liver may be related to fatty infiltration.
SHEMARIA After having breast cancer early stage, no chemo needed had surgery and radiation now on tamoxifen for four years i am delighted to find a site where we can ask questions and find out about diet . I would like to ask Dr Weiss whats the thinking on wether or not we should be taking tamoxifen for ten years instead of five years. I am grateful for the site and glad to have a chat.
Thank you for your comment, SHEMARIA. Please see the recent blog post What My Patients Are Asking: Should I Take Tamoxifen for 10 Years Instead of 5?, by Brian Wojciechowski, M.D., for information that may help answer your question about tamoxifen.