Breast Cancer Study Links 17 Everyday Chemicals To Disease: Find Out If Latinas Are At Risk

In America, breast cancer is common among women with the most up-to-date estimates suggesting that one in eight women in the United States will develop it at some point during their lifetime. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, the 2014 calendar year will include 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer and claim 40,000 lives.

A new study -- published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives -- funded by the Avon Foundation has identified 17 everyday chemicals that have been linked to breast cancer that have been found in a wide array of products ranging from gasoline and diesel to paint removers and stain-resistant textiles.

"The study provides a road map for breast cancer prevention by identifying high-priority chemicals that women are most commonly exposed to and demonstrates how to measure exposure," said study author Ruthann Rudel, research director of the Silent Spring Institute, to TIME magazine. "This information will guide efforts to reduce exposure to chemicals linked to breast cancer, and help researchers study how women are being affected."

Curious which chemicals are the biggest culprits? Two of the biggest carcinogens found in the environment are benzene and butadiene, which are found in lawn equipment, tobacco smoke, charred food, and vehicle exhaust. The researchers have also warn that cleaning solvents, nonstick coatings, and pharmaceuticals used in hormone replacement therapy are risk factors.

As for how women can protect themselves, the authors of the study have created a list of seven tips on avoiding the chemicals: limit charred food consumption and use a ventilation fan while cooking; avoid furniture without polyurethane foam and flame retardants; avoid stain-resistant furniture and fabrics; opt for a solid carbon block water filter; dry clean using "wet cleaning" and not PERC (perchloroethylene); use electric lawn mowers and garden tools instead of gas-powered ones; and keep your shoes at the door and use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

In the Hispanic/Latino community, breast cancer rates are relatively lower than non-Hispanic whites: Hispanic/Latina women are one-third less likely to have breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women according to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Even still, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Latinas.

One of the biggest hurdles for Hispanics/Latinas with breast cancer is early detection, as they are more likely than non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed at a later stage. Additionally, studies have found that Hispanics/Latinas are more likely to have breast cancer at younger ages, and they also have larger tumors that are harder to treat. As such, it is crucial for Hispanics/Latinas to screen for breast cancer with mammograms and CBE's (Clinical breast exams), while taking into consideration the environmental factors listed above from the new study.