Deodorants and breast cancer: this is your relationship

Terms are often confused antiperspirants and deodorants. It is important to know how they differ. The second has only bactericidal and odor neutralizing action. On the other hand, antiperspirant also reduces the amount of sweat we produce

Since underarm antiperspirants and deodorants are applied near the breast and contain potentially harmful ingredients, several scientists and others have suggested a possible connection between its use and breast cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence linking the use of these products to the formation of breast cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants

Antiperspirants contain compounds of aluminum, which are used in as active ingredients. These compounds form a temporary covering of the sweat ducts that stops the flow of sweat to the surface of the skin.

On this, some studies have suggested that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants can be absorbed through the skin and have (hormonal) effects such as estrogen.

In turn, estrogen can promote breast cancer cell growthSome scientists suggest that aluminum compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the formation of breast cancer.

Breast cancer and deodorants: no proven link

However, no studies to date have confirmed any substantial adverse effects of aluminum that could contribute to increased breast cancer risks.

Only a few studies have investigated a possible relationship between breast cancer and antiperspirants or deodorants for the armpits. One study, published in 2002, did not show any increased risk of breast cancer among women who indicated using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant.

The results also did not show an increased risk of breast cancer among women who indicated using razors (not electric) and antiperspirants or deodorants, nor among women who indicated using them in the armpits within an hour after shaving with a razor. shaving.

A later study, published in 2006, also found no association between antiperspirant use and cancer risk breast cancer, although it included only 54 women with breast cancer and 50 women without breast cancer.

Another, in this case a retrospective cohort study in 2003, examined the frequency of underarm shaving and antiperspirant or deodorant use among 437 breast cancer survivors.

The Outcome: No younger ages were reported at the time of cancer diagnosis for women who used antiperspirants or deodorants frequently or who began using them together with shaving at a younger age. Although, given the nature of the study, results cannot be considered conclusive.

Parabens and health

Parabens (used in deodorants, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals) are other controversial substances. According to these centers, parabens have been reported to be found in breast tumors, but no test of causing breast cancer.

This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms occur in case of illness and never self-medicate.

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