Women's worries about getting breast cancer lead them to wonder whether common hygiene products are safe, such as deodorants and antiperspirants. Many people have claimed that these products are cancer-causing for some time, particularly since they are placed near the breasts. Nevertheless, recent scientific studies indicate that people do not have a higher risk of breast cancer as a result of using deodorants or antiperspirants. Knowing how these products operate and what scientific research states regarding them can spare women from unnecessary concerns.
Deodorants and antiperspirants: What is the difference?
Deodorants and antiperspirants are commonly confused, but the two products have unique functions. Deodorants are responsible for controlling body odour by either masking the bad smell or reducing the number of bacteria causing that smell on the skin. Antiperspirants work differently, using aluminium compounds to temporarily plug the sweat glands, and thus restricting the amount of sweat reaching the skin’s surface. This difference is important, because much of the debate about breast cancer is mainly related to aluminium in antiperspirants.
Does aluminium increase breast cancer risk?
According to one theory, the compound aluminium present in antiperspirants may be absorbed through the skin and start affecting the function of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen plays a role in the development of certain types of breast cancer. Because of this, scientists began to investigate this theory. Nevertheless, biological theory does not prove that the product leads to the development of cancer in humans. The investigations have not confirmed that the use of antiperspirants containing aluminium is connected with breast cancer. A scientific review carried out by the US National Cancer Institute also did not prove any connection between breast cancer incidence and the use of deodorants or antiperspirants.
What about parabens and blocked sweat glands?
Parabens are substances used as preservatives in a variety of cosmetics and toiletries. Some tests show that certain parabens have weak estrogen-like properties, which led to the hypothesis that these chemicals might play a role in the development of cancers. However, studies that involve humans have yet to prove that the application of such products that contain parabens is responsible for breast cancer development. Another myth is that antiperspirants block the body from getting rid of harmful substances, which then build up in the breast. This claim is false. The main function of sweat is to regulate body temperature, while the functions of the liver and kidneys are to eliminate toxins from the body.
Why do these concerns persist?
There is a correlation between the closeness of underarm products to breast tissue, the online myths, and the complications of cancer studies, which fosters fears. Some studies have been conducted in laboratories on the roles of specific chemical compounds, but results of laboratory studies cannot be applied to the use of products in real life. One should also keep in mind that breast cancer develops through complex processes, where such factors as age, genetic predispositions, reproductive and hormonal histories, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle choices play an important role. It is yet to be proven that deodorants are among the possible causes of developing breast cancer.
Should women stop using these products?
So far, there is no evidence that women need to stop using deodorants and antiperspirants because of worries about breast cancer. If people are concerned about specific ingredients, they can read product labels and choose alternative products. It is important to use products according to the instructions, and if someone has skin irritation for a long time, they should stop using the product and see a doctor if needed. A necessary precaution is in relation to breast screening: women are advised not to use deodorants or antiperspirants before undergoing mammography because certain substances, including aluminium, may have an effect on the images produced.
Breast cancer awareness ought to provide women with trustworthy information rather than instil fear in common hygiene practices. The research is still going on about the possible sources of environmental exposure, but there is no evidence to support the use of deodorant or antiperspirants as a breast cancer prevention method. Women need to pay more attention to recommended breast screenings, have new lumps or changes in the breast checked, their family history, and their own risk factors.
The author is a senior consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
