In my house the idea that deodorant/antiperspirant causes cancer has been debated for several years. My opponent says wearing deodorant daily is toxic to the body and will inevitably give me cancer. I say, if I don't wear deodorant daily he, and everyone else, wouldn't hang around long enough to have this discussion with me.
Obviously, an online search can turn up any answer you want to hear. So I chose to trust the National Cancer Institute (associated with the National Institutes of Health) for accurate information. The conclusion? "Researchers are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer...More research is needed to specifically examine whether the use of deodorants or antiperspirants can cause the buildup of parabens and aluminum-based compounds in breast tissue...research is also necessary to determine whether these chemicals can either alter the DNA in some cells or cause other breast cell changes...".
Not exactly the definitive answer I was looking for...
So what have the most recent studies taught us?
1. 2002- This study looked at women who reported shaving their underarms and using a deodorant/antiperspirant. They interviewed 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women with no history of breast cancer. Results? No increased risk for breast cancer with these habits.
2. 2003- This study examined the frequency of underarm shaving and deodorant/antiperspirant use among 437 breast cancer survivors. They concluded that women who shave and use these products more frequently, and/or began to do so at a younger age were diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. However, this does not demonstrate a link between these habits and cancer. Genetics could be a large factor and was not included in this study.
3. 2006- Researchers examined deodorant/antiperspirant use and other factors among 54 women with breast cancer and 50 without. They concluded no association between cancer and antiperspirants, but reported family history and use of oral contraceptives as increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Pretty much everything we do and everything surrounding us causes cancer. At this point, deodorant is at the bottom of my list of things to avoid. And I'd appreciate if other people didn't avoid it as well.
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