Blog — parabens

Prior to my mother's diagnosis of breast cancer, I never valued the “paraben-free” designation on labels.  Like 2 out every 3 women diagnosed with breast cancer, Mom's tumor was estrogen-receptor-positive.  Simply put, estrogen feeds the cancer.  With surgery and radiation in her rearview, Mom will remain on the estrogen-blocking drug, Anastrozole, to starve any remaining cancer cells.   For Mom, and others with estrogen positive cancer, parabens may reduce the odds of remaining cancer-free because they mimic estrogen.    Introduced in the 1950’s, parabens are highly reliable in thwarting bacteria growth in foods and personal care products, like shampoos, conditioners, deodorants/antiperspirants,...