Breast cancer patient Kate Follington shows CBC News reporter Lisa Johnson some of the makeup products whe was given. (CBC)

A breast cancer patient is raising concerns about the chemicals in cosmetics she was given by the B.C. Cancer Agency.

The agency gave eye shadow, lip gloss and foundation to Kate Follington of Vancouver as part of the "Look Good Feel Better" program.

But the cosmetics contain parabens, chemical preservatives that the David Suzuki Foundation and other organizations advise against using because of studies suggesting possible links to breast cancer.

The international program began in the United States 21 years ago to help boost the self-esteem of women whose appearance had been affected by cancer or cancer treatment.

Follington, 33, had what she hopes was her final chemotherapy treatment at the end of May.

"I've been losing my hair, losing my eyebrows, losing my eyelashes," Follington told CBC News. "I thought the 'Look Good Feel Better' program might teach me how to disguise some of those impacts."

Agency defends program

The cosmetics helped her appearance, but then she learned about the parabens, she said.

Follington said she understands that the science questioning the safety of parabens is inconclusive, but she's throwing out the products and feels the B.C. Cancer Agency let her down.

"When it comes to your health … as if I'm going to take that risk," she said.

The B.C. Cancer Agency told CBC News that while more research may be needed, studies "do not show a direct cause and effect relationship" between cancer and the products the agency gives to patients.

The agency also said patients were under no obligation to use the cosmetics offered by the program.

The program is run by an industry group called the Canadian Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association. Regulators have reviewed the use of parabens and believe they are safe, said association president Darren Praznik.

With files from the CBC's Lisa Johnson