Have you ever heard that using deodorants and antiperspirants can cause breast cancer? Until now, this has not been fully proven. In 2002 a study involving 813 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 793 women who did not have breast cancer conducted a study. The study did not show any connection between the use of deodorants and antiperspirants, nor shaving armpit books, with the risk of breast cancer.
But there are still some frequently asked questions related to deodorants and breast cancer, namely:
Does the content of aluminum in deodorants cause breast cancer?
Aluminum is one of the active components found in deodorants and antiperspirants. The aluminum component works by clogging the armpit sweat hole temporarily, thus preventing sweat from coming out. Some studies state that if aluminum is used continuously and allowed to absorb, it can change the estrogen hormone receptors found in breast cells. Because estrogen plays a role in the formation and growth of cancer cells in the breast, some researchers say there is a relationship between the use of aluminum-containing antiperspirants and the incidence of breast cancer.
But it is still unclear how much aluminum can actually be absorbed by our skin. A study examines how much aluminum from antiperspirants that contain aluminum chlorohydrate is absorbed by the skin. This study states that only 0.012% of aluminum can be absorbed. The possibility of aluminum from antiperspirants entering the body through absorption of skin is much smaller when compared to aluminum that you get from food.
In addition, cancer cells in breast cancer patients have aluminum levels that are more or less the same as normal cells around them, so the statement that aluminum content in deodorants and antipersipirants can cause cancer still needs further research.
Can parabens cause breast cancer?
Parabens are compounds used for preservatives and additives in food. Parabens are found in various types of make up and skin care products (lipstick, mascara, lotions, sunscreen, etc.). Parabens are a conversation because they mimic the hormone estrogen so that it can increase the risk of abnormal breast cell growth.
A 2004 study found parabens in breast tumor cells, but this study still raises questions. The study cannot state whether parabens found in tumor cells cause or contribute to abnormal cell growth in the breast. So based on the research, the relationship produced between parabens and breast tumor cells is not a causal relationship.
In addition, parabens produce compounds that resemble estrogen, but the estrogen produced by the body is hundreds of times stronger. This makes estrogen that is actually produced by the body and estrogen-related hormonal drugs have a greater influence on the possibility of breast cancer than estrogen derived from parabens. This study also did not reveal where parabens found in tumor cells were obtained, whether from other skin care products or specific only from deodorants. If you are concerned about the adverse effects of parabens, you can see the composition of the product you are using. Products that use parabens are required to write parabens in their composition.
Why are we asked not to use deodorants when checking mammograms? Does this mean deodorants cause breast cancer?
You are asked not to use deodorants and antiperspirants when going through a mammogram because many of the deodorant and antiperspirant products contain aluminum. This metal component can appear on the results of a mammogram examination, in the form of small spots similar to microcalcification, a condition that can indicate breast cancer. Therefore, the use of deodorants and antiperspirants is not recommended during a mammogram, because it can make the results of the examination confusing and confusing.
So, is it safe to use deodorant?
Until now there is still no research that can state that the use of deodorants and antiperspirants causes breast cancer. If you are still worried about the chemicals found in deodorants, you can try looking for deodorants that use as little chemicals as possible. Nowadays there are many sold in the market type of aluminum-free deodorant and free of parabens.