You're in a hurry to get ready for work, to the gym, or out on a quick errand. Like most women, you probably apply deodorant without giving it much thought. Then, you stumble upon a social media post saying that the deodorant in your bathroom cabinet may actually raise your chances of getting breast cancer. All of a sudden, something you've been using for years begins to seem a bit shady. The allegation has been made before. It has been around for many years. Some say it's due to aluminum, others to parabens. It is even believed that antiperspirants block the body's ability to eliminate harmful toxins, which accumulate close to the breast. However, when researchers test the claim, does anything of this kind hold?
Why did the concern start
The worry is largely due to the location where deodorants and antiperspirants are applied. Some people are concerned that the ingredients in these products may be absorbed through the skin and impact breast tissue as they are applied near the breast area.
These concerns were propagated over the years via emails, web forums, and social media posts. The assertions raised alarm flags, but researchers were interested in determining if there was any proof to back them up. According to the American Cancer Society, there is little absorption of aluminum from antiperspirants, and research has not shown increased amounts of aluminum in breast cancer tissue.
What about parabens?
Preservatives, called parabens, have been added to certain cosmetics and personal care items. They became a concern since they can imitate the action of estrogen in certain conditions in the lab. Because of the possibility of estrogen affecting the growth of some breast cancers, it was questioned whether parabens could also raise the risk. Studies in people have not shown any direct link between parabens and any health problems, including breast cancer
Antiperspirants
Another reason this myth survives is that people think antiperspirants block the body from releasing toxins via sweating. That's not how the body functions. Sweat glands primarily control body temperature. The liver and kidneys remove most waste products and potentially harmful substances from the blood, rather than by sweating. Blocking sweat in the underarm area does not cause toxins to build up in the breast.
So, should you be concerned
Based on the evidence available today, there is no reason to believe that deodorant or antiperspirant use increases breast cancer risk. Personally, if you want aluminum-free products or paraben-free, that's your decision. Age, family history, inherited gene mutations, alcohol, excess body weight after menopause, and lack of physical activity are far more important in breast cancer risk than the deodorant you put on every morning.