Cancer and Obesity?

In the search for the cure for cancer, scientists must first identify the causes. Along with the upward trend of cancer rates in developed countries, obesity rates seem to continue to rise. Naturally scientists began to investigate as to whether or not there was a connection between these two facets of American life. The National Cancer Institute states that there is a clear connection between obesity. It is hypothesized that fat cells interact with the body differently such as producing excess estrogen and releasing adipokines, which affect cell growth. As of 2008, 68% of Americans age 20 or older were overweight or obese. Should Americans now consider losing weight for reasons besides self-confidence? The NCI also states that researchers have determined through observational studies that smaller weight gain in adulthood leads to a decreased risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancer. Though many details are yet to be understood about the relationship between cancer and obesity, I think that Americans, and people all over the world, should assume that obesity is associated with some cancers. Even if this is not the case, Americans will benefit from the weight loss in other ways such as diabetes and heart disease prevention. Source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity Picture by: Tony Alter

DEHP: Friend or Foe?

Because of the quick-paced progress in America, many products are made with synthetic chemicals that have not been tested for any side effects. Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate, or DEHP, is one of these common chemicals, used in plastics, found in everything from floor tiles to shower curtains to raingear. The CDC lists DEHP as “reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen.” Perhaps the reason for its wishy-washy classification, data from DEHP studies show different results. Studies, as reported by ADSTAR’s toxicology report, in mice indicate that inhalation generally has no effect; however, one study demonstrated that heated phthalates when inhaled caused death in mice in 2-4 hours. Another study on a cell culture of human testis cells lends evidence to the fact that DEHP and another phthalate can inhibit testosterone production. So, what can we take from this? Should we be so willing to let something so uninvestigated in humans into our daily lives? Public health preaches the idea of the precautionary principle. In that light, though there is uncertainty that DEHP causes cancer, there is no reason to take unnecessary risks. Buy products that say phthalate-free and heat food up in glass, not plastic. Until more is known, be a conscientious consumer!

Other sources:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts9.pdf
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=377&tid=65
Image by Ed Yourdon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/4213760708/in/photostream/