Cathy, a good place to research and learn is the Environmental Working Group's website (ewg.org). While not every product is listed, you can read through reviews of different products (health, beauty, cleaning, food). Things that get an EWG certified besides being a "clean" product has allowed EWG to visit their facilities to ensure everything is as it should be. Reading why some products get the lower ratings helps you learn how to read the labels, and things to avoid. They also have some free guides etc. that can be downloaded to learn about the different ingredients commonly found in our products.

A lot of the members here are shopping with the free app for your phone (Bobby Approved) where as you are considering an item you can scan the bar code, and find out if there are any reasons you should pass it by.

Besides detergents, etc. skin care products are something to consider. Think of all the medications that are provided in patches, creams, etc. because it is absorbed through the skin. If helpful things can be absorbed- so can harmful things. I hadn't given that much thought until the cancer diagnosis. It's a lot to take in- again, one sensible change at a time makes it easier (and less expensive) to make switches. As I needed something, I would research and find something that was better than what I was currently using.

Good luck with all your research and changes!! Hugs!!

AI response
What current research suggests may help reduce recurrence risk for many cancer types:

Key Dietary & Lifestyle Strategies
Plant-focused eating: Prioritize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Aim for 30+ grams of fiber daily. Limit processed meats and red meats.
Maintain healthy weight: Excess body fat (especially around the abdomen) is linked to higher recurrence risk for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Regular physical activity: Aim for 150+ minutes of moderate exercise weekly (e.g., brisk walking) plus strength training twice weekly.
Limit alcohol: Even moderate drinking may increase recurrence risk for some cancers (especially breast).
Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages: High sugar intake can promote inflammation and insulin resistance.
Consider vitamin D: Many survivors are deficient. Ask your doctor about testing and supplementation if needed.

Good information Karen thank you. I would also add besides checking on vitamin D, be sure to ask about D3 with K2 to deposit the calcium in your bones rather than other organs of your body.

Thank you for sharing, Virginia! You have a lot of good suggestions. I have made some of these changes, but you suggested some I haven't. I spoke with one of my doctors today and she said to avoid any perfumed product that uses artificial scent, including laundry detergent. She also said to eliminate as much plastic as possible and to avoid any cooking in plastic in microwave, etc. I've actually gotten the plastic out of the house already but I need to ditch the perfumed stuff. Now, as you said, I will pick one change and make it a habit.

When I was diagnosed I checked a ton of books out of the library, and ended up purchasing a copy of a book by Dr. Kristi Funk, called Breasts: The Owners Manual. I am not impressed by celebrity but I understand that they have the resources to work with the best- and Dr. Funk was the Dr. that worked with Angelina Jolie, Sheryl Crow and others. It's an easy read- and she includes a chart of foods we should be incorporating- it's really helpful as it tells what, how much, how often and How it supports our body. She advocates for a plant based diet, but understands that is not the route everyone wants to go.

I eat a super healthy breakfast, and usually skip lunch. Dinner is tweaked to be healthier- but still satisfying to the hubs- lol! He understands that we are eating more chicken and fish than red meat-etc. smaller portions, and larger fruit/veggies portions. More nuts and fruit for snacking vs chips and other junk foods. If we do a treat- (he loves ice cream) we go out for a small ice cream, vs having the half gallons at the ready in the freezer. It has cut those treats back quite a bit, when you have to get in the car, drive to the shop, etc.

You will find your way- I decided this had to be a lifestyle change vs a diet. So rather than lots of changes, I would pick one thing to change, When that became a habit, I switched out something else, and just continued. Keeping you in prayers that you have every success with your changes! Hugs!