Cherly Pintello

If you have a family member or close friend who is a breast cancer survivor, you have firsthand knowledge that these women (and men!) are a special breed of people who deserve to be recognized, supported and celebrated! Whether your loved one has just commemorated their first month as a breast cancer survivor or they are a veteran survivor of five years, ten years, and beyond, show them how much they mean to you with a special gift. Following are the five best websites to find the best gifts for breast cancer survivors.

1. The Pink Ribbon Shop offers a huge variety of gifts for all breast cancer survivors, from those currently battling the disease to those celebrating another victorious checkup. Find unique jewelry such as anklets, toe rings, and Swarovski Crystal necklaces. Choose items of clothing, religious pieces, office supplies, and even a special section for men including snazzy silk ties.

2. GotCancer.org has a selection of adorable t-shirts. A popular one boasts the trendy-looking initials CCKMA across the front. Look a little closer and you'll see more lettering beneath; Cancer Can Kiss My …! Another shows a To Do list. The first item on the list is checked off: Beat Cancer! The second item on the list? Take Over the World! Along with shirts for patients and survivors, this site also offers items for supporters, so you can even find something for yourself.

3. The Breast Cancer Site Store not only offers a wide variety of gifts for survivors, but your purchase will also help fund mammograms for women who aren't insured or otherwise cannot afford one. This site has a collection of lovely, unique Christmas ornaments, a calendar featuring beautiful photography and moving messages, license plate frames and more.

4. The BC Mall stocks over 1300 items and is breast cancer survivor owned and operated. Gift categories range from inspirational (such as a stained glass angel holding a pink ribbon) to books (check out the Better Homes & Gardens Pink Ribbon “Cooking for a Cure” Breast Cancer Cookbook) to novelty items (my favorite – a car decal stating “Cancer Sucks!”).

5. Ta-tas for Life has an adorable collection of eye-catching t-shirts, hats, novelty items and even doggy apparel. This retailer donates five percent of every sale to breast cancer research organizations. Since 2004, the brand has donated over $100,000. Their basic motto (Save the ta-tas) emblazons many items. Other sayings include “Caught you lookin' at my ta-tas”, “My ta-tas could beat up your ta-tas” and – in very small print, mind you – “If you can read this, step away from my ta-tas!”

No matter where you decide to shop, or what gift you deem the perfect one for your favorite breast cancer survivor, give it with a hug, a smile, and a heart-felt, “I am so proud of you!”

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Tyron Qualheim

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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.

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Sueann Strohmeyer

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