Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk

Online speculation on the potential link between underarm antiperspirants and breast cancer has been going on for a long time. Despite the paucity of study on this subject, most investigations have not discovered a connection between the use of antiperspirants and the onset of breast cancer.

Does antiperspirant use increase a person's risk of breast cancer?

Strong epidemiologic research (human studies) linking antiperspirant usage to breast cancer risk is lacking, and there is insufficient scientific data that supports this theory.

Case-control studies have been used to examine this problem, in which individuals with and without breast cancer were asked about their past usage of antiperspirants. Because these studies usually rely on an individual's memory of using an antiperspirant many years prior, and because individuals with cancer are more inclined to recall exposures they believe may be connected to their cancer, these kinds of studies can frequently be difficult to interpret.

Components of Underarm Deodorants and Antiperspirants Identified as Possible Culprits

The most critical components identified as possible culprits in causing breast cancer include:

Aluminum Salts

Antiperspirants contain active chemicals that are based on aluminum. To prevent sweat from reaching the skin's surface, they obstruct the sweat glands. According to some study, these aluminum compounds may be absorbed through the skin and alter breast cells' estrogen receptors. Certain researchers have proposed that utilizing aluminum-based antiperspirant chemicals may increase the risk of breast cancer development since estrogen can stimulate the formation of breast cells that are not cancerous as well as cancerous.

·       Aluminum Chloride

·       Aluminum Chlorhydrate

·       Aluminum Zirconium Chlorhydrate Glycine Complexes

These agents have been found to act on estrogen receptors, leading to genotoxic effects, DNA changes, and other epigenetic changes. Additionally, they also block the sweat ducts in the antiperspirants (Darbre, 2005).

Parabens

Chemicals called parabens are added to food and used as preservatives. Numerous makeup products (such as lipstick, mascara, concealer, and foundation) and skin care items (such as sunscreen, shaving cream, and lotion) contain them. Skin absorption is a possible method for parabens.

Because lab tests have revealed that parabens contain mild estrogenic qualities, they have been brought up as a potential health risk. Female hormone estrogen is known to promote the growth of breast cells, both cancerous and normal ones. Some paraben are given as:

·       Methylparaben

·       Ethylparaben

·       Propylparaben

·       Butylparaben

·       Isobutylparaben

·       Benzylparaben

Parabens are used as preservatives in antimicrobial products. The report notes that they exhibit estrogenic activity, which can affect breast cancer development. In particular, the activity acts through its reaction with estrogen and progesterone (Harvey & Everett, 2004).

Strengths and Weaknesses of Study of Each Component

Aluminum Salts

Strengths

The study has strategized an all-over review regarding the possible mechanism of aluminum in causing breast cancer by its genotoxic effects and said interaction with the estrogen receptors. It also quotes clinical observations that refer to the use of underarm cosmetics and breast cancer in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.

Weaknesses

The study does not have empirical evidence to directly correlate aluminum exposure from antiperspirants and breast cancer in humans. It simply calls for more studies to confirm a clear causal relationship.

Parabens         

Strengths

HPLC was used through mass spectrometry to detect parabens in human breast tumor tissue samples, hence making pieces of evidence concrete. It discusses the estrogenic activity of parabens and the possible implications for breast cancer development.

Weaknesses

The sample size of the patients was only 20, which is relatively tiny for generalization. The study does not involve the analysis of normal breast tissue or other control groups. Hence, it took much work to establish causality. It does not conclusively outline the path of paraben exposure, allowing for other sources besides underarm cosmetics.

More Credible Sources

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

 The NCI informs consumers about the studies involving the connection between antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. According to the NCI, although theoretically possible (due to the fact that the products contain substances such as aluminum and parabens, which may give harmful effects), currently, there are no scientific justifications for this. The institute has underlined that it still needs to be investigated to identify potential risks.

American Cancer Society (ACS)

The American Cancer Society investigates factors that are known to increase this poorly perceived amount of breast cancer. According to their research, the connection between antiperspirants and aluminum compounds and parabens in underarm products as an object of possible risks may be considered. Still, the cause-and-effect relation is not that clear and convincing. They believe that premature conclusions are possible. 

Are Men Less Likely to Get Breast Cancer?

Males have a far lower risk of breast cancer than females however this is primarily due to the fact that men have significantly less breast tissue than women. Hormones are involved as well. Males who have elevated estrogen levels due to genetic or metabolic disorders are more susceptible to breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer in men has not been related to underarm hair or the absorption of antiperspirants.