Eliminating Parabens & Phthalates Reverses Cancer-Associated Changes in Breast Tissue in Just 28 Days

We slather and spray them all over our face, hair, and body. We eat them in our favorite foods. And we blindly trust they’re safe and likely don’t even know they’re there when we use the Neosporin in our cabinet to treat our kid’s scrape. Indeed, the cancer-causing endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), paraben, and phthalates are everywhere, and they wreak havoc on the human body. And, concerningly, due to their estrogen-mimicking properties, paraben and phthalates contribute to breast cancer development. But all hope is not lost. Indeed, a study in Chemosphere suggests that just 28 days without exposure to parabens and phthalates can reverse cancer-associated molecular changes in healthy breast tissue. Again, in less than one month.

As a rule, estrogenic overstimulation is carcinogenic in human breast tissue. Yet, personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, deodorants, scented body lotions, hair gels, face creams and moisturizers, concealers, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polish, acne creams, anti-itch, and wound care products often contain parabens and phthalates have estrogenic activity. The contaminants are in many packaged and processed foods as well. Parabens are often used as a preservative in things like beer, sauces, desserts, and jams. Phthalates are commonly found in packaging and contaminate food products. It’s no wonder the health of society is suffering, and breast cancer rates in women are increasing, especially among young women.

For the study, titled “Reduction of daily-use parabens and phthalates reverses accumulation of cancer-associated phenotypes within disease-free breast tissue of study subjects,” instead of intentionally exposing participants to the toxic chemicals of concern (which would be unethical), the study was designed to eliminate specific exposures in individuals who were already exposed to them.

Participants in the study stopped using personal care products with parabens and phthalates for 28 days to reduce xenoestrogen exposure. Researchers collected breast tissue samples via fine needle aspirates before the intervention to establish a baseline. Likewise, they collected samples after the intervention. Remarkably, analysis of gene expression demonstrated a reversal of cancer-related changes in breast cells among those who avoided the estrogen-mimicking products. Additionally, urine tests showed lower levels of paraben and phthalate metabolites post-intervention.

How are these dangerous compounds manufactured, and what makes them so harmful? Parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which is a precursor to paraben. Widely used as a preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food due to their ability to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms, parabens are created when p-hydroxybenzoic acid is reacted with various alcohols like methanol, ethanol, or n-propanol. When parabens make their way down our drains and into our water treatment systems or when they are released into the environment and come into contact with chlorine, they are called chlorinated parabens.

Known for their estrogen-mimicking effects, these chlorinated parabens, which can be 3-4 times more toxic than their parent paraben, have varying levels of toxicity, presenting both environmental and health concerns. Hazards of chlorinated parabens include, but are not limited to, endocrine-disrupting activity, abnormal fetal development, and improper estrogen-promoting effects. Recent findings have linked paraben use with hypersensitivity, obesity, and infertility. Notably, studies have shown that parabens have also been detected in the samples of breast cancer patients, suggesting a potential cross-talk between parabens and carcinogenesis. Indeed, eliminating them seems like the smart thing to do.

Phthalates, which are generally considered more problematic than parabens due to their potential to disrupt the endocrine system, are made through a chemical process called esterification, where phthalic anhydride is reacted with an alcohol. This reaction produces various phthalate esters, which are used as plasticizers in products like plastics, medical devices, and personal care items. Nearly fifteen years ago, warnings existed about both parabens and phthalates. A September 2010 review titled “Toxic effects of the easily avoidable phthalates and parabens” warned:

“Even though they have relatively short half-lives in humans, phthalates have been associated with a number of serious health problems, including infertility, testicular dysgenesis, obesity, asthma, and allergies, as well as leiomyomas and breast cancer. Parabens, which can be dermally absorbed, are present in many cosmetic products, including antiperspirants. Their estrogenicity and tissue presence are a cause for concern regarding breast cancer.”

Why haven’t the warnings about parabens and phthalates been louder and easier to hear? Likewise, why hasn’t the high rate of success when eliminating these toxins—as demonstrated in the current study at hand regarding breast cancer—been lectured from the mountaintops? An article in EWG from 2019 noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had detected propylparaben in over 92 percent of Americans tested. Yet, following just a three-day intervention, when the girls who used products without parabens, the levels of propylparaben in urine dropped by about 45 percent. Shouldn’t this news be something all mothers are made aware of?

Here we are yet again in another health predicament, not being properly advised by those empowered to keep us healthy and safe. With that in mind, it is quite hopeful to be made aware of how much power we each have over our health. Despite the many detrimental and undoubtedly profitable toxic foods and products bombarding our daily lives, awareness of their levels of harm is the first step. The breast cancer study findings provide real insight into solid opportunities to reduce breast cancer risk by reducing or eliminating exposure to certain chemical toxins.