The Use of Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

In recent years, deodorants were accused of being responsible for breast cancer. So far, no evidence has shown this assumption, but many women are worried.

Are deodorants or antiperspirants the culprits?
Several studies have noted a high incidence of breast cancer in the area close to the application of deodorants and anti-transpiration (the upper outer quadrant) and the frequent use of these products.
Based on these findings, several research teams have sought to establish a possible link between anti-sweat and breast cancer. The most diffused hypothesis is the possible role of parabens and aluminum salts. However, to date, no epidemiological study has shown the assumption that the use of deodorants had an effect on increasing breast cancer in women.

No scientific evidence
A group of experts from the Cancer Bulletin journal , made a scientific analysis and gave a detailed answer to the anguish of women on this topic. They reviewed 59 studies from the literature search and 19 items of different methodology. Their conclusion was that no scientific evidence for the hypothesis could be identified. Moreover, these experts explain that there are no validated hypotheses that may open new paths to research. They argue that this issue does not constitute a public health problem and it seems pointless to continue research on this topic so there is no reason for concern about the use of a particular deodorant.

The importance of screening for breast cancer
Which are the known risk factors for breast cancer? A minority of breast cancers are related to a family inherited form which most often occurs at a young age, the other major risk factor is estrogen. The prevention of this scourge is based primarily on women's screening by mammography.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer of women in Western countries: it affects one in nine women, mostly after menopause. Most breast cancers are detected early and this is very important as there will be a greater chance of recovery. Thanks to early detection, half of breast cancers are detected when they are less than 2 cm. This level of detection can achieve very high cure rates while reducing the aggressiveness of treatment applied. At any age, you must be regularly monitored by a doctor or a gynecologist who will prescribe the necessary examinations, particularly if he considers you to have family risk factors of breast cancer. This medical checkup must be conducted every 6 months or every year from 30 years.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/ap-deo