Do Deodorants Cause Breast Cancer?
Nabta Editorial Team • November 22, 2021 • 5 min read
- There is no conclusive evidence that deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
- There are theories that the aluminum in deocorants may stimulate production of the hormone estrogen, which may lead to increased breast cancer risk.
- No studies have proven these theories.
Some people worry that deodorants and antiperspirants stop the body from sweating out toxins, which then build up in the lymph glands under the armpit, causing breast cancer. However, our bodies have several ways of getting rid of toxins and, while sweating is one of them, it does not involve the lymph glands.
Deodorant and Antiperspirants
For the majority of us, using deodorant is a daily routine that we barely think about. We don’t want to smell and sweat. Actually it is not our sweat that smells, it is the reaction it has when it mixes with the bacteria on your skin. The bacteria releases body odour, often unpleasant. Deodorants and antiperspirants work in different ways to cover up body odour (or BO).
Deodorants work by masking the smell with a more pleasant scent. They may also create a more acidic environment where applied, which may prevent the bacteria from releasing odours.
Antiperspirants use ingredients, usually aluminum-based, to block sweat glands, reducing the amount of perspiration released.
Do the chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer?
There is also no conclusive evidence that ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants – such as aluminum or chemicals called parabens – cause breast cancer.
The National Cancer Institute notes that studies looking at ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants and the potential risk of breast cancer focus on the use of aluminium. The theory is that the aluminum in these products may stimulate production of the hormone estrogen, which may lead to increased breast cancer risk. This postulates that aluminum is absorbed through the skin, especially in women who shave their underarms, inadvertently causing small nicks or cuts. It’s through these small nicks to the skin that chemicals from the antiperspirant may gain access to the lymph nodes, which could cause cells to mutate and develop into cancer. Men would be at lower risk because most men don’t shave their underarms. However, no studies have proved these theories.
Women are advised to avoid using a deodorant, antiperspirant or talc containing aluminum when they go for a mammogram only because the aluminum might show up on the x-ray image and give an inaccurate reading.
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Despite being the second most common malignancy affecting pregnancy, breast cancer during pregnancy is rare. Known as Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer (PABC), it affects approximately one in 3000 pregnancies. PABC is, in fact, defined as breast cancer that is diagnosed during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. The aim with diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy is to follow, as closely as possible, the normal standards of care for patients of the same age who are not pregnant. That being said, some modifications may be required in order to minimise risks to the developing baby. **Diagnosis** ------------- Most breast cancers are diagnosed following self-examination and [identification of a lump](https://nabtahealth.com/is-the-first-sign-of-breast-cancer-always-a-lump/) in the breast tissue. During pregnancy, the breasts change in shape and size as they prepare for breastfeeding. It is not uncommon for them to feel lumpy and inconsistent as the milk producing ducts and glands start to fill with milk. This can make it difficult for women to establish which changes are normal and which are a cause for concern. All abnormal masses should be investigated, although, fortunately, 80% will be [benign](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/benign/) in nature. The first diagnostic test a doctor will use is ultrasound. This uses soundwaves and is entirely safe for the unborn baby. It will characterise any unusual masses and identify whether there are features of concern within the mass. At around the same time a needle aspiration and/or core [biopsy](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/biopsy/) may be taken. This enables doctors to explore the cells of the breast in more detail. Particular care will need to be implemented for analysing the results as, during pregnancy, it is not unusual for cells to become more proliferative in nature. 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During pregnancy, a woman should remain under observation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including gynaecologists and oncologists to ensure that the support she receives is optimal for both her and her baby. Growth scans will be performed regularly to ensure that the baby is developing as he or she should be. If possible, the medical team will try to ensure that the woman delivers her baby as close to her due delivery date as possible. After delivery, treatment options will be reassessed. Get yourself the [post-surgery pack](https://nabtahealth.com/product/post-surgery-selfcare-pack-copy/) Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). Get in [touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#99e0f8f5f5f8d9f7f8fbedf8f1fcf8f5edf1b7faf6f4) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you. **Sources:** * “Breast Cancer.” Breast Cancer during Pregnancy | Cancer Research UK, 21 Nov. 2017, [https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/living-with/breast-cancer-during-pregnancy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/living-with/breast-cancer-during-pregnancy). * “Breast Cancer, Pregnancy and (Green-Top Guideline No. 12).” Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, [https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg12/](https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg12/). * Johansson, A L V, et al. “Diagnostic Pathways and Management in Women with Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer (PABC): No Evidence of Treatment Delays Following a First Healthcare Contact.” Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, vol. 174, no. 2, Apr. 2019, pp. 489–503., doi:10.1007/s10549-018-05083-x. * Keyser, E A, et al. “Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer.” Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 5, no. 2, 2012, pp. 94–99.
Breast Cancer Self Examination Part 2 : Infront of Mirror
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