Deodorants, antiperspirants and breast cancer - Is there a link?

Posted by Ramesh Venkatraman

There are several articles floating around in the press and internet that warn people not to use deodorants and antiperspirants. These articles have pointed out that antiperspirants (a preparation that reduces underarm sweat) and deodorants (a preparation that masks body odor) could be potentially carcinogenic (i.e. cause cancer). This article examines the available evidence to see if these claims are genuine.

Most of these articles have focused on two key ingredients - aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants and Parabens in deodorants. The articles have gone on to suggest that since antiperspirants and deodorants are applied under the arm, close to the breast region these compounds can be absorbed via the skin and/or through small nicks caused by shaving. Aluminum-based compounds and Parabens are thought to mimic the activity of the female hormone estrogen and because estrogen has the ability to promote growth of breast cancer cells some scientists have suggested that perhaps these compounds could cause breast cancer. However the question to be asked is if there is evidence to support this claim?

At the moment the available evidence is circumstantial and not completely conclusive. One study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2003 indicated that frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants combined with underarm shaving was associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer diagnosis at an earlier age. This was a retrospective study in 437 women diagnosed with breast cancer using a written questionnaire. [McGrath K G. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2003; 12:479-485.]. See also, the graph at the end of this article which shows a direct relationship between the incidence of breast cancer and the increase in the sale of antiperspirants/deodorants in the US.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) however maintains that more research is necessary to determine whether the chemicals used in deodorants/antiperspirants can alter DNA structure or cause any other changes in the structure of breast cells. (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo)

What does all of this mean to you? Should you or should you not use deodorants/antiperspirants? As it is always better to err on the side of caution, it may be useful for you to do the following:

1. Use deodorants/antiperspirants sparingly and when necessary - This means that you restrict their use only when you are going out or if you have to be at a social gathering where you don’t want people scurrying away from you with their noses all screwed up. It also means that you don’t drench yourself in deodorant spray or slather on a thick past using the roll-on - a thin film should suffice.
2. Observe deodorant/antiperspirant holidays: Don’t use deodorants/antiperspirants when you are at home or during weekends when all you are going to do is to laze around the house.
3. Avoid using deodorants containing Parabens: This should be quite easy, look at the ingredients label and look for names like methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben. 

Antiperspirant/Deodorant Sales Versus Breast Cancer Incidence

Ref: Roush et al., 1987 [34] ; SEER Incidencepublic-Use Database, 2001 [37]. ;US Cosmetic and Toiletries Market, 2001;
Bull Cancer 2008 ; 95 (9) : 871-80.