Breast Cancer and Essential Oils

In February of 2007, a study linked some essential oils in common toiletries to a rare medical condition known as gynecomastia, or swelling of the breasts, in three pre-pubescent boys. The story got a good bit of "air time" but what no one seems to be talking about are the implications of this study for female breast cancer survivors.

Over 50% of all female breast cancers are what doctors call "estrogen-driven" or "estrogen dependent" cancers. Basically this means that these types of tumors are stimulated by the presence of estrogen and this is why many women are put on anti-estrogen drugs like tamoxifen after undergoing cancer treatment.

For years, cancer researchers have known that some common foods like soy contain chemicals that can mimic the effect of natural estrogen in the body. Known as phytoestrogens, these compounds help relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes in some women. This is the reason why many menopausal women are advised to increase their consumption of foods like soy. But this is also why a growing number of natural health professionals are now questioning this practice and counseling recovering cancer patients to avoid foods like soy. The science is sketchy but some feel that the same chemicals that make soy so good at relieving hot flashes may also increase a susceptible patient's risk of a relapse, especially if she's consuming a great number of estrogen-mimicking foods.

But few women are counseled about the potential dangers of products like toiletries and cosmetics that also contain estrogen-micking chemicals. What does this mean for you? If you're a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or you have been told that you're at increased risk for estrogen-driven cancers, you must talk to your doctor about the safety of products containing essential oils like lavender and tea tree.

Why not just talk to the herbalist at your local health food store? The vast majority of herbalists, aromatherapists and even most naturopaths are "certified" through some type of multi-level-marketing company or correspondence course--and not through a legitimate medical institution. They simply do not have access to the same level of scientific research that your doctor uses.

Only your doctor is qualified to evaluate your risk of estrogen-driven cancers. Talk to your primary care provider or gynecologist for more information on botanical products like essential oils and their potential role in the development of breast cancer.

REFERENCES:

Henley, D., et al. (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils.