Myths and misconceptions regarding health is quite common. There is a common saying that deodorants increase the risk of developing breast cancer and it has been circulating for decades.
Theory-wise it is quite credible as underarm antiperspirants or deodorants are applied to the skin very close to the breast. Moreover, many of them contain a cocktail of seemingly harmful ingredients.
To date, there’s no clear evidence linking deodorants to the development of breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute maintain that there are no strong studies or scientific evidence linking breast cancer risk with deodorants and antiperspirants.
Over the years, many studies have produced conflicting results. However, none of them have found a cause-and-effect connection that directly shows whether using deodorant with certain ingredients has any direct effect on breast cancer risk.
A 2002 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute compared 813 women with breast cancer to 993 women without breast cancer. The researchers found no links between antiperspirants, deodorants, or underarm shaving and breast cancer.
Meanwhile, studies published in 2003 and 2009 suggests that these links are possible. But the study authors could not provide substantive evidence supporting a direct connection.
Another small 2004 study of 20 breast tissue samples that was published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology found that some samples of breast tumors contained small amounts of paraben. Parabens are preservatives used in many underarm products, including deodorants.
A 2014 review in the journal Breast Care looked at breast cancer risk and lifestyle factors, including deodorant use. Citing several studies on aluminum and parabens, the researchers found no convincing evidence linking them to breast cancer and simply stated that more studies are needed, as reported by Healthline.
Experts maintain that rumors tying deodorants to breast cancer risk date back decades but there isn’t anything to worry about. Although there’s no scientific evidence linking deodorants or antiperspirants with breast cancer. But two ingredients are often brought up as cause for concern: aluminum and parabens. If you are worried about increasing breast cancer risk, you can switch from antiperspirants to deodorants can reduce your exposure to aluminum and paraben.