Summary:

Researchers have found traces of chemicals called parabens in every sample of tissue taken from 20 different breast tumors. Studies suggest that paraben, a chemical found in underarm deodorants and other cosmetics, can seep into the tissue after being applied to the skin. This finding concerned researchers since parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen, which can drive the growth of human breast tumors. However, this study showed no direct evidence that deodorants were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Further work is required to examine any association between estrogen and other chemicals found in deodorants and breast cancer, researchers say.

Chemicals from underarm deodorants and other cosmetics can build up inside the body, according to a study.

British researchers have found traces of chemicals called parabens in tissue taken from women with breast cancer.

While there is no evidence they cause cancer, the scientists have called for the use of parabens to be reviewed.

The cosmetics industry insists the chemicals, which are used as preservatives and are approved for use by regulators, are safe.

Dr Philippa Darbre and colleagues at the University of Reading carried out tests on samples of 20 different human breast tumors.

Writing in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, they say they found traces of parabens in every sample.

"Parabens have a very, very good safety profile" Chris Flower, Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association

Their tests suggested the chemicals had seeped into the tissue after being applied to the skin.

"This is the first study to show their accumulation in human tissues," said Dr Darbre.

"It demonstrates that if people are exposed to these chemicals, then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies."

"Drive Tumors"

Dr Darbre said there may be reason for people to be concerned about the findings.

"Their detection in human breast tumors is of concern since parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone estrogen," she said.

"Estrogen can drive the growth of human breast tumors. It would therefore seem especially prudent to consider whether parabens should continue to be used in such a wide range of cosmetics applied to the breast area including deodorants."

Dr Philip Harvey, European editor of the journal, said the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

"Further work is required to examine any association between estrogenic and other chemicals in underarm cosmetics and breast cancer."

Chris Flower, director general of the UK's Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association, welcomed the study.

"We have an enormous amount of information which supports the safety of these chemicals and their use in cosmetics." Chris Flower, Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association

"It is welcome additional information and we will want to examine the findings in detail," he told BBC News Online.

"However, parabens have a very, very good safety profile. We have an enormous amount of information which supports the safety of these chemicals and their use in cosmetics."

Caution

Delyth Morgan of Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "This extremely small study does not demonstrate a direct causal link between deodorant or antiperspirant use and developing breast cancer.

"Further research is needed to establish the source of the chemicals found in the breast tumor samples and what, if any, the relationship is to breast cancer."

A spokesman for the UK's Department of Trade and Industry said government scientists would examine the findings.

"Parabens are approved for use in the UK and in Europe and all the information we have suggests they are safe to use.

"However, British scientists will examine this study."

Dr Richard Sullivan, head of clinical programs at Cancer Research UK, said there was no evidence that deodorants were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

He said the latest study was very small, and had by no means produced conclusive results.

"The increased incidence we are seeing of breast cancer can be explained by many other factors," he said.

BBC News January 11, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Now it appears that the urban legend that antiperspirants have been identified as the leading cause of breast cancer may actually have some truth to it.

A study was conducted in 2004 by Dr. Kris McGrath, a Chicago allergist who claims to have found a connection between antiperspirants, underarm shaving and cancer. He believes the culprits in these antiperspirants are the toxins in aluminum salts such as aluminum chlorohydrate. He says they don't normally penetrate the skin enough to cause a problem--unless the skin is shaven. If you disrupt the skin by shaving, it can open up the door, because just under the skin is the lymphatic system, which is connected to the breast.

In this study, more than 400 Chicago-area breast cancer survivors recalled their lifetime history of using antiperspirants and underarm shaving. He found that women who perform underarm shaving more aggressively had a diagnosis of breast cancer 22 years earlier than the non-users.

Now with the study above, British researchers have found traces of chemicals called parabens in tissue taken from women with breast cancer. These researchers published a study last year in the Journal of Toxicology that suggested underarm cosmetics might be a cause of breast cancer. It is unclear how valid this proposed mechanism is, but it would sure seem safe to avoid all antiperspirants and deodorants just to be safe.

I personally have not used any antiperspirants or deodorants for over 20 years. Simple soap and water has served me quite well for the last two decades, and I don't ever recall anyone telling me I had an offensive order. So, I suggest avoiding the chemicals, save some money, prolong your life and drop the underarm chemicals.