How to avoid common cancer causing substances.

I read in the newspaper about a woman recovering from cancer who received advice from her Dr. to stop applying what could be harmful substances to her face (makeup, moisturizers, etc.).  She then created a website www.cosmeticsdatabase.com  to create an awareness of the degree of carcinogens in common everyday products we use such as toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, & cosmetics.  Does anyone know of other sources of information, websites to learn more?  I asked two doctors if it was ok to continue to color my hair, one said yes, the other said no.  

[katarina777]

I think you will need to use your own judgement about these things. The thing is that neither doctor really knows if his answer is correct. Like, my sister refuses to use a microwave, and I am no longer willing to use just any deodorant. it's not like I am obsessed with this, but I use now a more natural deodorant, and it's hard to find one that doesn't make you smell worse than using none. (I like the Trader Jo brand) I am also more conscious about cleaning agents, although I have not eliminated them altogether. I guess I am just more aware.

My point is that I would not believe in anything  and everything you hear, but i would, like I said, use my own judgment.

I have never colored my hair and I still got cancer, and I am the first one ever in my family.

[ladysmith105]

Hi Katarina,

Thank you for your advice.  I agree, I will have to use my own best judgment because even doctor's don't know everything, and the companies who produce products with harmful substances don't want you to know about them.  I will have to visit Trader Joes's, someone else told me about that store recently.  Have you tried Tom's of Maine?

Be Well, & God Bless

[katarina777]

Yes, do not buy Tom's of Maine deodorant. (The toothpaste is great) But I swear, it does not work..not all all, maybe worse than no deodorant at all.

Trader Jo's is a great store and the prices are reasonable.

[MaryNY]

For deodorant, have you tried Crystal Stick? I like that there is no aluminum and no sticky residue.

[ladysmith105]

I am newly diagnosed with BC and will start radiation on Monday.  The radiology group suggested Toms of Maine or a deodorant stone.  Have you ever tried the stone?  Any advice during my 5 weeks of radiation, if you had it.?

[ladysmith105]

Hi Mary,

I haven't tried Crystal Stick.  My Radiation Oncologist said if I shouldn't use any deodorand during my radiation treatment, but if I needed to due to heavy perspiration, I could use Toms of Maine or a deodorant stone.  I haven't received good feedback on Tom's.

Be Well

[katarina777]

To both ladysmith and Mary, I have no experience with the crystal stick, and never tried it.

ladysmith, did you have surgery, and are now following up with radiation. Because, keep on posting during this time so we can give you support. With me, I used no deodorant at all during this time, at least not under the affected arm. And, for some reason, I really also did not need any deodorant. I never smelled at all during radiation.

At least be sure not to have anything on you for a few hours prior to radiation. It will be OK, and it does not hurt. (Except, for the very end, the burns may become pretty bad and you may need painkillers then, but it will all heal before you know it.)

The only discomfort or pain I had was when it came to having to put my arms back. It really hurt in the right arm, but except for that first session where they do all the measurements, the radiation sessions only take a few minutes. The people involved were so kind and nice, it made it all better than OK, and I even missed those sessions after they were over. I also was told that when you have a mastectomy, like I had, and all lymph nodes removed, like I had, the burning in the end may be a little worse than if one has a lumpectomy because of the cushioning and I have/had red hair and very sensitive skin anyway. but for the first two weeks or so I had no symptoms at all.

In any event, you can do it, and it is not as scary as you may think. So, keep in touch so we can support you, OK, and you can also write to individuals here privately.

Take care, kat

[MaryNY]

The makers of Crystal Stick say:

"We are a member of "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics" and pledge that any products we make will meet the standards and deadlines set by the European Union Directive 76/768/eeC to be free of chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects."

I think it would come under the category of what you referred to as a "deodorant stones."  You can see some Crystal products here - http://www.thecrystal.com/browse.cfm/MCID/1. I bought the Crystal Stick at my local supermarket.

In looking that up, I came across this web site - http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?list=type&type=33 where they say you can "Learn about categories of products of particular concern, plus look up safety rankings of the products you use." This brought me round full circle as this is the parent group of Skin Deep (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com) which you referred to in your opening post.

[ladysmith105]

Thank you so much for your support and advice.  Having the use of this site is just priceless.  I had a lumpectomy on 5/7, nodes were negative.  I had no problem with the surgery, but Radiation has so many related risks.  I was really handling everything so well until last week planning for the radiation.  I started feeling sorry for myself, and very down even though I am a very optimistic person.  I went for the set-up this afternoon & talking to the staff helped quiet my fears, and I now accept that I need it.  Tomorrow I will head to Trader Joe's for organic meats & deodorant, and check out thecrystal.com.  

Again, many thanks : )