Dear Dr.
Bone,
I read
that underarm deodorant can cause breast cancer. Is this true?
~Sweaty
Dear Sweaty,
I remember getting an email many years ago about the hazards
of deodorant. Actually, it was about antiperspirants, not deodorants. What is the difference? Deodorants prevent or
control odor related to perspiration, whereas antiperspirants work to prevent
perspiration in the first place. A major concern about antiperspirants
surrounded the aluminum content found in these products. Aluminum was thought
to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The relationship between aluminum and
breast cancer came later and still is hotly debated. Aluminum deposits are
found in greater concentration in the areas of the breast where most cancers are
diagnosed, and aluminum, like cadmium, has estrogenic-like activity on breast
cancer cells. A further risk involves
the ingredients called parabens, which are used throughout the cosmetic
industry. When absorbed through the skin sometimes from underarm shaving cuts,
these parabens might conceivably accumulate in the fat cells of the breast or
in the lymph nodes near the breast.
Despite these associations, there is no definitive study
proving that deodorant or antiperspirants cause cancer. However, it makes sense
that you should avoid unnecessary exposures that might be related to cancer,
even if remotely. I advocate using only deodorants, not antiperspirants.
Sweating is a natural mechanism to help us rid our bodies of toxins. Instead of
trying to prevent sweating, I prefer to use a deodorant that eliminates odor
naturally. The crystals in Naturally Fresh Deodorant products are pure,
aluminum-free and paraben-free, and are hypoallergenic. They are perfect for people working to
prevent cancer, for cancer patients, and for cancer survivors.
And, in addition to their original fragrance-free line,
Naturally Fresh now has lovely scented products, including lavender, papaya
fusion, ocean breeze, and tropical breeze to appeal to men and women
everywhere.
~Dr. Bone
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