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6/2- Antiperspirants/ Deodorants for Breast Cancer (250 Words)
6/2- Antiperspirants/ Deodorants for Breast Cancer (250 Words)
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Antiperspirants/deodorants and Breast Cancer
With summer in full blast, the need for deodorants and antiperspirants has greatly increased. However, news about the link between deodorant and antiperspirant use and its increased risks of breast cancer have instilled fear in many people. The majority of breast cancer is caused by environmental causes, however, the exact causes of the environment are unknown. It has been theorized that the presence of certain ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer. In a McGrath, study performed, "Women who shaved their underarms more than twice a week and applied deodorant more than once a week were almost 15 years younger when they were diagnosed with breast cancer than those who used neither regimen" (Allam). One of the active ingredients of antiperspirants is aluminum based. Aluminum is key in deodorants due to its actions on sweat ducts. The sweat ducts are blocked, inhibiting sweat. This aluminum is absorbed into the skin and accumulates in the breast. When accumulated, the aluminum interferes with the function of the estrogen receptors and breast epithelial cells. However, there has been no scientific evidence of aluminum causes breast cancer. The ages of the women diagnosed with breast cancer when shaving and using deodorants may have been younger by chance. In fact, the study says no risk was found when the women use deodorant alone, without shaving, and vice versa. Another ingredient found in antiperspirants and deodorants is parabens. These are used to prevent bacteria and fungal growth in the deodorants. Parabens were detected in the tumors of patients with breast cancer. When used near the breast, parabens mimic estrogen hormone and cause the growth of tumors. However, many deodorants and antiperspirants discontinued the use of parabens due to these growing health fears.
Many people want to stay healthy, avoiding toxins in their products, but still do not want bodily odor. Alternatives to the common deodorants are natural- deodorants. There is still no scientific proof of aluminum causes breast cancer, however, it is better to be safe than sorry. Companies that provide aluminum-free deodorants include Native, Dove, Kosas, and Arm & Hammer. In addition, the risks of breast cancer can decrease with lifestyle modifications. This includes being physically active, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting hormone therapy. Gene testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 can inform patients on whether they are at higher risk, so they can be aware. Checking for lumps and skin color changes in the breast can be key in the early detection of breast cancer. Catching the tumor early is key for treatment! See a doctor if you have any concerns.
Allam MF. Breast Cancer and Deodorants/Antiperspirants: a Systematic Review. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2016 Sep;24(3):245-247. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a4475. PMID: 27755864.
Klotz K, Weistenhöfer W, Neff F, Hartwig A, van Thriel C, Drexler H. The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017 Sep 29;114(39):653-659. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653. PMID: 29034866; PMCID: PMC5651828.