The Link Between Aluminum in Antiperspirants & Parabens in Deodorant and Breast Cancer

The Federal Office of Public Health of Switzerland recently published a report on the link between parabens in deodorants and aluminum-containing antiperspirants and breast cancer.  The results demonstrated no link between the two.

In effort to provide some background on the subject, here is a summary:

Aluminum-based compounds are the active ingredients in antiperspirants. They block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancer breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.

Studies have looked at aluminum content of breast tissue, and aluminum absorption through the skin, but no clear link to breast cancer has been made. Researchers continue to look at this possible breast cancer risk factor and more studies are needed. (American Cancer Society)

Parabens in their many forms (methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben) are a class of artificial preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal care products that have been are are currently being investigated for their possible role in breast cancer. Parabens mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. Since estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells and a woman is eight times more likely to develop breast cancer in the part of the breast closest to the underarm, scientists are studying the connection.

Although parabens have estrogen-like properties, the estrogens that are made in the body are hundreds of times stronger. So, natural estrogens (or those taken as hormone replacement) are much more likely to play a role in breast cancer development.

Numerous studies have been conducted examining the causation between deodorants and antiperspirants and breast cance. The analysis of all major studies shows conflicting data. Some findings support the hypothesis that there is a direct correlation between deodorant and antiperspirant use and breast cancer, while other research finds no link between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant or deodorant use.

The most highly revered study that has been conducted was a epidemiological study published in 2002 that compared 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women without the disease. The researchers found no link between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, deodorant use, or underarm shaving.

To review the complete report by the Federal Office of Public Health of Switzerland containing research, methodology, and findings click here.