Dr. D,
I was forwarded an e-mail from my mom that stated that deodorants and/or antiperspirant can cause breast cancer. Because my aunt had breast cancer and it seems to be in my family, I want to know if this can be true.
Deodorant not likely cause of breast cancer
Dennis Martell
— RB
Dear RB,
You would not believe how many requests I have received over the years from people wondering if there is any credibility to the claims that certain things cause and/or cure cancer.
It is not always easy to answer these questions because we seem to receive info on a daily basis about something new that causes cancer — and something else new that may also cure it.
In this age of ever expanding technology and abundant research projects, it seems that the news of the day, is really only good for that day. It’s kind of like Michigan weather: “If you don’t like it, just wait a minute and it will change.”
I actually have seen the claim about deodorants and breast cancer, and I believe the e-mail states that by shaving your underarms, you are letting the supposed cancer-causing agents in the deodorant/antiperspirants to enter the body through the razor nicks or cuts and then they go right into your lymph nodes, where most breast cancer starts.
It is funny how these things take a life of their own, and even though I cannot say with 100 percent assurance that this is a myth, the American Cancer Society’s Web site says, “The American Cancer Society is not aware of any strong epidemiologic studies reporting a statistical association between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use.”
What is possible is that razor nicks and cuts can increase the chance of a skin irritation or infection, and if that infection continues, antiperspirant may cause irritation. The chance of any carcinogen reaching the tissue of the breast, according to the experts, is slim to none.
However, if you stop using your deodorant/antiperspirants, the chances of losing friends are greater than slim to none, if you catch my drift.
The other myth that goes along with this has to do with antiperspirants, which, unlike deodorants that just cover up the odors, actually stops your body from sweating.
The misguided concern is that if your lymph nodes are trying to rid your body of toxins, then you shouldn’t stop the process because those toxins will have nowhere to go and will accumulate in your breast tissue.
Part of this is true. Your body does get rid of toxins through your lymph nodes.
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However, lymph nodes do not rid these toxins through sweating. Sweat glands are located in the skin and are not connected to the lymph nodes. The toxins your lymph nodes are responsible for eliminating are removed through your kidneys.
The things you should know about breast cancer are as follows. It’s found mostly in women older than 50. Things that have been known to reduce one’s risk of breast cancer are maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and limiting your intake of alcohol.
Even though you can take action to control some of these factors which can possibly lower your risk for breast cancer, there is still not enough information known about breast cancer to know for sure how to prevent it.
The key to breast cancer is early detection. Women are still encouraged to do a breast self-exam every month, even though they are not recommended anymore by the ACS, due to studies that show no proof that they work to detect breast cancer.
The reason they are still suggested is so you become familiar with the topography of your breast so you can note any changes that may happen.
Starting at the age of 40, women should have an annual mammogram. Please see your health care provider or come visit Olin Health Center’s Health Education Department if you have any further questions.
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I will say that being informed and seeking out the most accurate information out there can be one of your greatest prevention strategies, so I applaud your question.
But until we know for sure, continue your life as planned keeping in mind the risk factors we do know. Although it may be a personal preference for some people to not use deodorants and antiperspirants, please remember that others may not share your preference. Don’t forsake your personal hygiene.
Peace love dove.
— Dr. D
Dennis Martell, Ph.D., is a coordinator of Olin Health Education. E-mail him your questions at dennis.martell@ht.msu.edu.
