Stating that pesticides pose a significant risk for breast cancer, Assoc. Dr. Fatma Ümit Malya, “Although it is thought that agricultural workers are exposed to more pesticides, in fact, all people are at risk through food. In particular, recent studies have shown that eating organic products reduces the risk of breast cancer after menopause. From this point of view, it is discussed that pesticides pose an extremely important risk for breast cancer.
One out of every 8 women has a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. According to studies, only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer is genetic, and the importance of the environment and the lifestyle of the person in the formation of breast cancer is quite high. It is emphasized that factors such as obesity, sedentary life and alcohol use pose a great risk for breast cancer. On the other hand, the relationship between environmental pollutants and breast cancer has recently come to the fore. Especially in recent studies, it has been shown that nutrition with organic products reduces the risk of breast cancer after menopause.
ATTENTION TO BEANS, WATERMEN, POTATOES AND TOMATOES
Stating that pesticides are substances that are used in the agricultural sector and that protect the products from harmful insects, Assoc. Dr. Fatma Ümit Malya, “The most commonly used insecticidal organophosphates in agriculture are chlorpyrifos and acephate. However, these substances harm not only these insects but also other living things around them. For example, although it causes death by harming birds, it also gets into the air. In a study conducted in the USA, traces of these substances were found in the urine analyzes of many people.
The foods in which pesticides are most commonly detected are beans, watermelon, potatoes and tomatoes. In the formation of breast cancer, the deterioration in hormonal balance is also effective, especially the factors that increase the amount of estrogen in the blood. Studies showing the effects of pesticides especially on the endocrine system have shown that they may be associated with some types of cancer. Lymphoma occurs as prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Although these results are more evident in experimental studies, this effect has also been observed in humans in recent epidemiological studies. The World Health Organization, especially together with the United Nations, is working to reduce the use of pesticides around the world.
“SOW IN CARBONATE WATER INSTEAD OF VINEGAR”
Assoc. Dr. Fatma Ümit Malya explained the measures that can be taken to protect herself from pesticides as follows: “First of all, we should pay attention to the fact that the foods we consume are organic products grown in a natural environment as much as possible. Another important point is that we should consume our food by washing it very well, so that we will reduce our exposure to these harmful substances.
One of the well-known misconceptions is that soaking vegetables and fruits in vinegar water will be beneficial in removing pesticides. Vinegar water may be effective in removing microorganisms, but it does not have a significant effect in removing pesticides. Instead of vinegar, it may be useful to soak in a teaspoon of carbonated water. In order to get rid of pesticides, the fruits should be washed abundantly and the peel should be consumed, while vegetables should be washed in plenty of water after keeping them in carbonated water.