Studies show

In 2002, Mirick, Davis and Thomas conducted a study on Antiperspirant Use and the Risk of Breast Cancer. Finding show that:
• There is no evidence that the subjects who reported the use of a blade razor for underarm hair removal were at an increased risk for breast cancer from antiperspirant use.[11]
• No evidence also that the subjects who reported that applying antiperspirants within 1 hour of shaving with a blade razor were at an increased risk for breast cancer.

However, this study did not fully address the intensity of underarm hygiene habits. So in 2003, Mc Grath looked into the frequency of underarm hygiene habits within a (cohort) of breast cancer survivors within their age of diagnosis. Results show that:
• The mean age which breast cancer was diagnosed was earlier for those groups with maximum usage of underarm cosmetics. Those who use it less or never use it had breast cancer diagnosed at a later age. [4]
• Combined habits (shaving and underarm cosmetics usage) were also necessary. If done separately, there was no significant association with an earlier age of diagnosis.[4]

As you can see, these studies do not agree 100% on their results. There have been other studies that have been done since. In Iraq, Fakri et.al. (2006) have conducted a study where they have determined that the use of antiperspirants have no association with risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, it was family history and oral contraceptive use which they found to have a stronger association with breast cancer. This only goes to show that we have yet to conduct more studies on this subject before we can conclude on whether or not underarm cosmetics play a major role in the development of breast cancer.

I therefore conclude…
…that there is no conclusion yet. More extensive research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of the applicaiton of these underarm cosmetic products over an entire lifetime and on a global population of men and women.

Until such time, there are no alternative suggestions yet on how you would take care of your pits the way that you do right now.

Myth: still plausible.
Akalain mo.

Part 1

Part 2

On location – the Upper Outer Quadrant of the Left Breast

It’s a known fact that the most common location of breast cancer is on the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. That’s the area adjacent to your underarm. Several explanations have been offered to shed light on why this is. The accepted one is that  this region contains the greatest proportion of epithelial target tissue, but evidence for this seems to be largely anecdotal . [9]

An alternative explanation is that it is this area that is adjacent to where underarm cosmetics are applied. These products are not washed off or not washed off thoroughly, and with frequent application leads to build up on the skin. This may simply penetrate the skin without invoking any major physiological carrier, such as blood and lymph.[2]

Another set of clinical observations suggest that this can be attributed to more epithelial cells on the left side of the breast owing to the preferential blood supply on the left side of the body during intrauterine cardiac development.   [10]

However, a simpler but equally plausible explanation could be that since a greater majority of the population are right-handed, then there is greater application of these chemicals to the left underarm area. Unfortunately, there is no study available at this time to prove this.

Underarm Cosmetics And The Development Of Breast Cysts [3]
Breast cysts, although mostly benign, are significant because their presence can be indicative of cancer to come. Strangely enough, the upper outer quadrant of the breast is also shown to be the common site for these benign conditions.

Breast cysts are thought to be formed from the blockage of breast ducts. Because antiperspirants block sweat ducts and breasts are modified sweat glands, then breast ducts may act similarly to sweat ducts. Thus, it is possible that breast cyst may also arise from the use of antiperspirants. In addition, application of underarm cosmetics may not always precisely fall on the underarm, but also to the adjacent breast  areas, so there is no reason to believe that antiperspirants should not act the same way on these adjacent breast areas.

However, we can only conclude its relation after extensive clinical studies have been made.

But what have studies taught us so far when we put two and two together? In other words, what has been done to prove or disprove the association of underarm cosmetics application and the development of breast cancer?

To be concluded.

Part 1

Part 2

To understand this fully, let’s start with what we know so far about breast cancer.

There is an increasing incidence of breast cancer

Long-term increases in breast cancer have been observed throughout the globe over the past three decades and is no longer considered a disease confined to Western or affluent societies

Epidemiological studies show that:
•    90% of breast cancer are environmental in origin.

•    The occurrence is also linked to genetics. Breast cancer susceptible genes (BRCA1 & BRCA2) are identified. When these genes lose funtion, these account for 5-10% of breast cancer . However,the mechanism of susceptibility remains unknown.

•    The main identified factors are hormonal and linked to lifetime exposure to estrogen.[1]

•    Diet, smoking and alcohol can also exert influences [1].

•    However, these only confer a small increased risk and the main causative agents of breast cancer remain unaccounted for.[2]

The Supposed Mechanism of Action – The Scientific Version
First off, we have to remember this piece of information from Darbre in 2003. He explains that there are two steps to cause breast cancer:

1) DNA damage, and

2) promotion of growth of these damaged cells.

Incorporating this with what we know so far about what underarm hygiene habits can do to bring about breast cancer, we have the following:

•    Underarm cosmetics are frequently applied and placed on an area near the breast. They are not rinsed off or not rinsed off thoroughly, which allows accummulation of it over time.

•    The extent to which these toxins penetrate the skin remains unknown.

•    Aluminum occurs principally as aluminum chlorhydrate and the aluminum-zirconium chlorhydrate glycine complexes  It is added to form a plug on the top of the sweat duct, preventing the escape of sweat onto the body surface. However, there is evidence that aluminum can bind to DNA and can cause changes in them which also may result to DNA damage.

•    DNA damage could also occur, according to one other theory, through “axillary acid rain” from the accumulation of sweat as a result of antiperspirant action. Because our bodies normally excretes toxins through sweat, then these toxins accumulate in breast tissue. The lower pH of some aluminum salts combined with the microbial action on sweat results in an acidic underarm environment. (This may explain, at least in part, why world breast cancer incidence is lower in countries with different cultural habits or less disposable income for western axillary hygience practices or in areas with less media exposure, as in some rural areas.) [5]  [7] [8]

•    The deodorant components are to prevent the development of body odors through its anti-microbial properties. By killing bacteria, it masks, modifies or prevent the generation of odor.

•    To increase the shelf-life of these products, preservatives are added, especially to stick, roll-on, and cream formations to prevent the growth of microbes or fungi in the containers. The alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, or parabens, have been widely used because of their high antimicrobial activity. (On a side note, the aerosol formats are less dependent on preservatives because they do not come into direct contact with the bacteria on the skin surface).

•    There is now evidence that parabens can mimic the action of estrogen. Why is this significant? It has been established that risk factors for breast cancer include lifetime exposure to estrogens or those with estrogenic properties. Many pollutant chemicals can mimic the action of estrogen, and due to its lipophilic (literally means it “loves fat”) nature, they are stored in breast fat. Thus, explains the evidence that shows that parabens can also stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer cells in culture.

•   In other words, aluminum can cause DNA damage, and parabens can promote the growth of these damaged cells.

•    However, although parabens can be detected in human breast material through chromatography and mass spectrometry, the source of parabens cannot be identified because we are exposed to parabens through many thousands of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

To be continued.

To view Part 1, go here.

I have received this forwarded message a number of times since I was a medical student.

Here’s a shocker!

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION – not just for women

Men don’t forget to tell mom, cousins, etc. Deodorants non-antiperspirants) are very hard to find but there are a few out there.

I just got information from a health seminar that I would like to share. The leading cause of breast cancer is the use of anti-perspirant.

Yes, ANTI-PERSPIRANT. Most of the products out there are an anti-perspirant/deodorant combination so go home and check your labels.

Deodorant is fine, anti-perspirant is not. Here’s why:

The human body has a few areas that it uses to purge toxins; behind the knees, behind the ears, groin area, and armpits. The toxins are purged in the form of perspiration.

Anti-perspirant, as the name clearly indicates, prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging toxins from below the armpits. These toxins do not just magically disappear. Instead, the body deposits them in the lymph nodes below the arms since it cannot sweat them out.

This causes a high concentration of toxins and leads to cell mutations: a.k.a. CANCER.

Nearly all breast cancer tumors occur in the upper outside quadrant of the breast area. This is precisely where the lymph nodes are located.

Additionally, men are less likely (but not completely exempt) to develop breast cancer prompted by anti-perspirant usage because most of the anti-perspirant product is caught in their hair and is not directly applied to the skin. Women who apply anti-perspirant right after shaving increase the risk further because shaving causes almost imperceptible nicks in the skin which give the chemicals entrance into the body from the armpit area.

PLEASE pass this along to anyone you care about. Breast Cancer is becoming frighteningly common. This awareness may save lives. If you are skeptical about these findings, I urge you to do some research for yourself. You will arrive at the same conclusions, I assure you.

Thank you.

For years I would immediately dismiss it as a hoax as I have not found an explanation nor clue from my textbooks. But then, I never really made any effort to research on it. There have been studies conducted since then I surmise, so I might as well give this email a chance and see if any of the lastest research can enlighten this myth.

To be continued

That Saturday was cloudy. The waves were furious and the water not a clear blue. The medical station was under this tree that bred a million caterpillars that kept falling on us, so we had to find a different station. It was windy but the 150 new guests that day didn’t seem to mind. Miss Siren, the HR Supervisor, was a hands-on woman who oriented me with the place. It was the beach area where I would be stationed standing by for any possible injuries or medical concerns from our guests. Hmm, a *stretch* from my previous work on the island. When they started off with their team building games, I went double-hmm-it’s-a-stretch-from-my-previous-work.

I knew trauma seems to follow me, because within 20 minutes of going back to the station, a victim was brought to me. He was pale, confused and refused to move his left arm. Looking at his shoulder blade, I saw some hematoma formation but no deformity. I still considered a clavicular fracture and he was immediately brought to the nearby hospital. We later found out it was indeed a fracture and he decided to return to Manila to have his operation done there. Ulk. After that, there were no cases. And the guests didn’t push through with their Amazing Race activity. So sad.

Last Saturday was my 2nd weekend in this resort. Unlike the previous week wherein it was cloudy, the sun now was smiling down at me. The skies were blue, the pavement dry, the birds were singing and the water was calm. I had my breakfast in peace while reading my new Milan Kundera book. I later went to the medical station in the best of moods and smiling at my nurse. I couldn’t help but tell her all the positive things surrounding us – the sun, the calm water, the skies, the guests kayaking and taking pictures, and the white sand that was more obvious now than before.

“Oo nga. Ang pangit ng tubig ngayon!”

*blink. Blink* (huh?)

I forgot that my nurse is hearing impaired.

There are years when my birthday is stretched for one whole week and I spend it with different people the whole time. Each day (or night) is spent differently depending on which group of friends I was with.

This year, I don’t have a solid plan. I just know I have to spend quality time with family because I won’t be spending my birthday with them. (I would be at the premier).

So yesterday, I met my bro, my sis and mom in this Mediterranean place in Alabang. (My dad was out of town). This is what I miss – the usual family bangayan and the funny stories you tell that seem to get funnier because their laughs are quite contagious and it becomes a vicious cycle. I was amazed at my lemon mint tea, but I later recognized that it tasted like toothpaste and they wouldn’t stop the alaskahan over it.

Later, my bro told us of our teenage cousin’s suggestion to give his name to the Starbucks barista as “Ever.” Ever?!! Big muscled guy like you giving out your name as Ever??? “Yeah, so when the barista calls out to you, he says ‘Cafe Americano for Ever!!” The laughs came in waves and it didn’t stop!

While having dessert in Haagen Dazs, my mom asked me to tell the story of the land crabs. I told my bro and sis that back in Peleliu, Earl and I were staring at the white board which said that it was prohibited to catch any land crab between June 4-7. It didn’t state why. So I made up an excuse that it was “National Land Crab Day.” Earl caught on with the joke and refined my made-up holiday to “National Land Crab Awareness Day.” We were in fits when we wrote it underneath the dates. This apparently caught on, because the following month when it was again prohibited to catch them crabs, the big boss of the group gave an explanation that it was National Land Crab Awareness Day. WHUUT?! HAHAHAHA!

In another story, I told them of that video of the host and I trying to hit a land crab because it seemed to be taunting us; or that crab we called Sebastian who did the most amusing righting-reflex but refused to do it when I started recording him on video. It would be funnier if I told you face-to-face and even funnier if you were my bro, sis or mom.

I only spent 3 hours with them, but it was time well-spent.

That afternoon before we parted ways, we were in Starbucks only because mom wanted some aircon on her. We didn’t order drinks but my bro and mom did order some cinammon swirl and pie. My bro was itching to give out his name as Ever but the barista didn’t need to call him out. He drifted back to our table looking defeated. Aww… you’ll have your chance soon, Ever.

Less than 2 weeks to go till the premiere!

Meet the next 16 castaways.

Cris Bolado, a former PBA player and a gentle giant.

Mika Batchelor, chef from Palawan.

Shaun Rodriguez, fitness buff and dad from Manila.

Maya Segovia, an air force pilot.

Amanda Coolley Van Cooll, from Mindoro but works as a construction worker  in Alaska.

Charles Fernandez, raketista from Dagupan. The guy can sell anything. Kahit siguro ang Luneta mabebenta nya.

Jef Gaitan, a student and part-time model from Laguna (na dating naging kargador… kidding!).

Troy Perez, mentalist magician. Think Criss Angel or David Blaine.

Suzuki Sadatsugu, a Japinoy criminology student. Syemple gwapo sya.

Echo Caceres, a spicy hot call center agent from Bicol. Ay wow.

Vlad Nesas, model and metrosexual.

Carolina Gementiza, school teacher from Iloilo.

Marvin Kiefer, a model from Cagayan de Oro.

Tara Jane Macias, an English tutor for Koreans.

Louie Ang, an IT professional and chickboy. (Yes, pwede sa chick, pwede sa boy).

Justine Ferrer, a business woman and a beauty pageant veteran.

No, they are not mactors. Don’t be fooled by their looks. Watch them play.

Survivor Philippines Palau premieres August 17 on GMA Telebabad.

Learn more about Survivor Philippines Palau and the Castaways.

Visit the official blog site here.

Official twitter account

Official facebook account

Hi Survivor PH fans!

Survivor Philippines Season 2 is near! And the official revelation of this season’s location will be on July 27, Monday, at www.survivorphilippines.tv

In the meantime, we’re showing you this season’s logo. Idea: You may use it as a wallpaper for your phone or computer. If you look closely (and if you are also a fan of the US series), you might be able to get a clue as to where this season’s location is…

…although I’m guessing some of you do not need this clue to figure out where.

This season also has a twitter account which you may follow here.

New season, new look. There is a new batch of castaways whom you will love, hate and look up to. There are shocking twists, tension-filled tribal councils, and a number of unpredictable outcomes.

Hang on. Malapit na!

You may want to review these teasers:

Girls teaser

Boys teaser

Teaser 1

Still need clues?

Capital City, Part 1

Capital City, Part 2

Capital City, Part 3

I felt so sad that most of my friends have left. I know the purpose of staying behind is to oversee the people left here. Still, I was too busy sulking.

So when I was fetched by a whole bunch of frantic people at 1:30am because Roy, a local teen, was stabbed, I instantly recognized that this was God’s challenging way of making me realize the purpose of why I had to be left.

Yes, God, I got it.

And as if God wanted to rub it in, He did it the subtle way.

On the speedboat ride to the capital city, I was constantly checking on Roy’s vitals and IV line. When I was checking his pulse under his sheets, Roy caught my hand and held it. I have held a lot of my patients’ hands before. I do this because I cannot give false hopes to my patients, but I can give them some sort of comfort and strength. But not too many actually initiate the hand-holding like Roy.

He held on to me. I squeezed his hand a bit and he stroked my hand back.

You’re welcome, kid.

Photo borrowed here.

On the speedboat ride back to the Land of Enchantment at 4am, I realized that I was semi-complaining this afternoon that I wasn’t able to see the capital city in 45 days and wondered when I would be back. Who would’ve thought it was only going to be within a few hours?

As soon as the boat slowed down as we approached the port, I looked forward to thoughts of a warm shower and a long sleep. However, what greeted us at the port was a frantic group of people.

Dennis, a 27 year old, figured into a vehicular accident. He used the boss’ car and apparently slammed on to a post. The door on the driver’s side was a wreck. The boss was the one who saw Dennis unconscious in her car. She advised Dennis’ friend not to move him. However, she left him momentarily to get help. When she returned, Dennis was missing.

I advised that we split up in 2 groups – 1 group who would be looking for Dennis, and another group fetching the Ranger so that we can use his facilities for whatever is was that Dennis would need. But searching for Dennis wasn’t easy. There was word going round that he was in hiding. Probably because he now realized what he did to someone else’s car. So we went around asking people.

Suddenly, a white Toyota corolla. I was suspicious, but then you can never be suspicious with all cars. When a number of people saw us behind the corolla, they immediately told us that they see Dennis was on the passenger seat. Our driver had to chase him and stop him. We finally convinced him to come with us to the Ranger station.

At the ranger station, Dennis was alternately unruly and calm. In other words he was his usual self when drunk. We strapped him on to a spine board and put him on a boat.

While all this was happening, he was saying things like, “Boss, I love you, but I’m broke!”

(Reason why he was hiding and refused medical care.)

Later, at the hospital back in the capital city, he was telling The Girl, “(The Girl), I love you, but I can’t afford your love!”

Mwehehehe!

Oh yeah, 3 visits to the capital city 45 days after first coming here, and all within a span of hours.

Rule of 3’s again.

Epilogue:
Roy was discharged a day after. So was Dennis. They’re both doing well now.

P.S.
Rob, I know you want to be a part of the story, but I couldn’t quite fit in there that you drove us around the capital city for a few minutes this particular afternoon. Peace!