The armpit close to the breast raises the suspicion that whatever is used around this part will have an impact on the changes in the breast organs. The discovery of certain elements of deodorants in breast tissue raises concerns that deodorant triggers breast cancer.
There is news that suggests that deodorants contain certain ingredients that can be absorbed by the skin and enter the body through open scratches that may arise from shaving underarm hair. It was also stated that polishing in this area could risk breast cancer because of its location adjacent to the organ.
The material in question is an aluminum-based compound contained in some deodorant products. This material forms a temporary blockage in the sweat glands, thus stopping the flow of sweat on the surface of the skin. Absorption of this material by the skin is said to cause effects similar to those caused by the effects of estrogen which can support the growth of breast cancer cells. In addition to aluminum, other elements called parabens are also suspected to cause similar effects above. You can find it in name labels such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben.
Rumors are circulating that chemicals in deodorant block the body from removing toxins, so that they reach the lymph nodes and play a role in causing cell changes to become cancer cells. Some studies also claim that these chemicals can interact with DNA in some cells or cause changes in breast cells, causing the development of the potential for breast cancer.
However, subsequent studies did not find any evidence of this suspicion. Until now there is no strong evidence that deodorant can increase the risk of cancer. Here are the details:
Research suggests that parabens are found in breast tumor tissue from some samples of breast cancer. However, it does not necessarily prove that parabens are a cause of tumors.
In addition, not necessarily the parabens in question come from the use of deodorants. There are many other cosmetics that contain parabens which are also at risk of being absorbed through the surface of the skin. So it cannot be concluded that only deodorant is the cause of parabens in the human body.
Most of the deodorants on the market today do not contain parabens.
Other studies with larger samples found that there was no increased risk of breast cancer in women using deodorants, as well as those who used armpit shavers.
Breast cancer is also found in women who do not shave underarm hair too often and do not use deodorant products with the allegedly dangerous ingredients.
Other factors, such as a history of family members with breast cancer and consumption of contraceptive pills, are more influential than the use of deodorants.
The use of deodorant also had its safety questioned in people with kidney disorders. This is because the body can no longer dispose of aluminum as quickly as needed so that it risks causing buildup in the body. Dialysis patients with high aluminum levels are more at risk of developing dementia.
But this does not mean that people with kidney disorders should not use deodorants. In fact, according to doctors, even though it can be absorbed by the body, it is impossible for aluminum levels in deodorants to be enough to bring harm to the kidneys.
Breast cancer and dementia are complex diseases that cannot be caused by one small factor, such as deodorant. Factors that can reduce a person's risk of developing these diseases are as usual, exercise enough, eat healthy foods, and avoid stress as much as possible.
In conclusion, there is no strong scientific evidence that can prove the notion that deodorant can endanger the health of its users. But if you are still in doubt, you should pay attention to the ingredients contained in the deodorant that is printed on the packaging. Although not medically proven, but considering the fact that human body tissue does store parabens, it is better to avoid similar ingredients to use. The trick is to carefully read the label on the package.
To avoid body odor, you can also try natural ingredients that are obviously free of aluminum, such as applying tea or lemon to the armpits. In Indonesia, alum is also often used to eliminate body odor.