Does Deodorant/Antiperspirant Cause Breast Cancer?

Rumors of a link between deodorant/antiperspirant and breast cancer have been around for nearly 20 years. The theory is that by blocking sweat glands in the armpits (particularly in women who shave their underarms), antiperspirants allow toxic compounds to accumulate in the underarm lymph nodes near the breasts, prompting cancer to develop.

imsis544-085However, research has found no conclusive evidence of a connection between deodorant/antiperspirant use and breast cancer.

A major study in 2002 found no data to support this claim. The study involved more than 1,600 women, about half of whom had breast cancer and an equal number who did not. The researchers found no link between breast cancer risk and the use of antiperspirants or deodorants or underarm shaving.

In a 2006 study, researchers examined antiperspirant use and other factors in 54 women with breast cancer and 50 women without it. They, too, found no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk.

In summary, there is no substance to the theory that antiperspirants cause harmful substances to build up in the underarm lymph nodes. Lymph nodes do help clear out bacteria and wastes, but they don’t release these substances through sweating – in fact, they aren’t connected to the sweat glands. Cancer-causing substances are removed from the blood by the kidneys and liver and leave the body through urine and feces.

17 thoughts on “Does Deodorant/Antiperspirant Cause Breast Cancer?”

  1. I am curious of any studies done comparing women who shower before bed and those who shower in mornings and not before bed. showering before going to bed and not applying anything gives that more time to let the pores “breath” and not clogging them up with antiperspirants ….just saying.

  2. I recently completed treatment for breast cancer. This subject is of interest because of studies regarding the aluminum in the product. Most women get breast cancer in the left breast because most women are right handed and tend to apply more under the left arm. My cancer was in the right breast…..I am left handed! An all natural, organic deodorant can easily be found on the internet and is not expensive. I use one now and it works fine. Why take a chance?? It’s the aluminum!!

  3. Ozone is extremely toxic and a carcinogen! Those ionizing air cleaners that create ozone also cause lung cancer.

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