An email that has been making the rounds since 1992 has implicated antiperspirants as a cause of breast cancer. Given that Breast Cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the second most common type of cancer among women, females have every right to worry. But the question remains: Is it True?
The worry revolves around the supposed effects of chemicals used in antiperspirant. Some studies have looked at the role of aluminum-based compounds, while others have focused on a preservative called “parabens” Both produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Estrogen is a female hormone that can promote the growth of the cancer cells. Likewise, using blade razors to shave underarms doesn’t help matters as the chemicals in the antiperspirants can supposedly get into nicks in the skin. (Info taken from a health magazine)
What is known for sure is that all the research studies conducted so far are inconclusive given their inconsistent and contradicting result results. Some were saying that there was no correlation between cancer and the use of antiperspirant while some noted that 400 plus breast cancer survivors who used antiperspirants at a younger age has a diagnosis of breast cancer 22 years earlier than nonusers. However, the latter study met with skepticism due to its statistical weaknesses. So what should we believe?
Whether or not antiperspirants cause breast cancer, the bottom line is that people should not worry too much. While scientific research is still uncertain on the definitive cause of breast cancer, we can at least enjoy sweat and odor free underarms in the mean time!