
Some scientists have proposed that certain ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast.
Aluminium based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skins surface. It is thought that the build up of foreign chemicals in the breast area can contribute to lumps forming in the breast tissue.
As studies have provided conflicting results in the past, the National Cancer Institute (US) has concluded that more research is needed to specifically examine whether the use of deodorants or antiperspirants can cause the build-up of parabens and aluminium-based compounds in breast tissue.
This means a link between chemicals in cosmetics and breast related lumps cannot be ruled out.
Evidence pointing against the use of antiperspirantsBreast cancer is thought to be caused by a combination of our genes, lifestyle and environment. Risk factors are said to be things that may increase or decrease the chances of getting the disease. Deodorants and antiperspirants are a possible breast cancer risk factor.
Aluminium
A study published in 2003 in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention interviewed 437 women with breast cancer about their past and present use of deodorants. The study reported that women who both applied deodorant at least twice a week and shaved their armpits at least 3 times a week developed breast cancer almost 15 years younger than women who did neither.
(McGrath KG. An earlier age of Breast Cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/ deodorants and underarm shaving) European Journal of Cancer 2003 12(6) : 479-485.)
Aluminium, an ingredient that makes up to 25 percent of some deodorants, has been linked by some health experts to cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Chemical deodorants and antiperspirants work by using the chemical aluminium to block sweat ducts to reduce the rate of perspiration. It has been known that strong antiperspirants that block sweat ducts may cause lumps of tissue to form- which can lead to begin breast lumps and breast cysts. The very fact that the chemicals used in antiperspirants are large enough to block skins pores and accumulate into lumps is alarming in itself.
A cause for concern is in the nature antiperspirants are applied, usually after shaving the skins pores are open, with nicks often occurring during shaving. Advice given on antiperspirants and chemical deodorants is not to apply to broken skin. However it is the case that many women will apply these products more often than not after doing just that.
Only 5% of abnormalities in the breast are represented by breast cancer. The rest of the problems are usually related to benign breast lumps and cysts. Cysts in particular are caused by a blockage of breast ducts, which fill with fluid and cause lumps. As antiperspirants work by blocking sweat ducts it is very probable that they can in fact contribute to causing benign lumps in the breast area.
In one of her latest studies conducted with Professor Ferdinando Mannello of Urbino University Italy, Dr Phillipa Dabre, compared levels of aluminium in the fluid from breast cysts in 48 women, with the levels of the metal found in blood samples from 30 other women and in breast milk taken from a third group of 45 women. Where the cyst was in the armpit area of the breast, the level of aluminium present was around 25 times higher than the level found in the normal blood sample.
The study concludes that “if aluminium anti-perspirants are found to be the source and to play a causal role in development of breast cysts, then it might become possible to prevent this common breast disorder”
(F Mannello, G. A Tonti and P. D. Darbre. Concentration of aluminium in breast cyst fluids collected from women affected by gross cystic breast disease) Journal applied of Applied Toxicology 2009; 29; 1-6).
Parabens
Parabens are used in many cosmetics and skincare products- basically they are a preservative that prolongs the life of the products. Parabens have also been a cause for concern in recent studies as they have been shown to mimic oestrogen in the body’s cells. Many breast cancers are simulated by oestrogen which can trigger abnormal growth behaviour in cells.
A study published in 2004 in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, looked at synthetic chemicals called parabens. The researchers looked at 20 human breast tumour samples and found that parabens were present in 18 of them.
(Darbre PD. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. Journal of applied Toxicology 2004; 24 (1): 5-13.)
According to Darbre “Chemical overload from cosmetics applied to the underarm and breast area could be a cause of breast cancer”. It is thought that parabens could be a potential DNA binding chemical which means that they are a group of chemicals that may have the potential to damage our DNA cells, promoting a growth of dangerous cells.
Dr Phillipa Dabre recommends that women concerned about breast cancer to avoid the use of antiperspirants and deodorant products altogether.
Alternatives to antiperspirants
If breast cancer and breast lumps are a concern for women, they should defiantly try an aluminium free, chemical free natural deodorant, as some evidence states that using chemical laden deodorants may be a potential risk factor, although further evidence is needed to draw any conclusive facts.
The natural deodorant market is growing
The amounts of natural deodorants available on the market are increasing, in particular big brands (ie. Sanex) are introducing Aluminium free products. This factor alone indicates that there is a market for natural deodorant as people are concerned about links between Aluminium based anti-perspirants and diseases such as breast cancer.
There is a demand for natural alternatives; one of the main problems for people is finding a natural deodorant that works for them.
Alvin Connor Ethical Deodorants
Alvin Connor has been creating natural chemical free crystal deodorant for many years. Their formula has been improved consistently over the years, meaning that their deodorant is one of the most effective natural alternatives you will be able to find on the market.
Alvin Connor specialises in crystal deodorant products, Alvin Connor products are handmade in the UK to high ethical standards. The company produce cost effective, good quality natural crystal deodorants that are completely aluminium and chemical free.