Health & Diet Info

Antiperspirants and breast cancer

November 6th, 2007 by admin

There is a lot of material discussing whether there is a link between the use of antiperspirants (containing aluminium) and breast cancer. A recent report by the University of Reading - Potential link between aluminium salts in antiperspirants and breast cancer warrants further research, discusses how certain chemicals mimic the body’s natural hormone oestrogen, which is known to affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Oestrogen is known to be involved in the development and progression of human breast cancer and any chemical that has an oestrogenic activity and enters the human breast could theoretically influence a person’s risk of breast cancer. Evidence is increasing that the aluminium-based compound, which can make up to a quarter of the volume of some antiperspirant agents, can break through the skin, be absorbed into the body and could mimic oestrogen.

Another report by Cancer Research UK : Deodorants and cancer concludes there is not enough evidence to say there is a link between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

So, what can you do when there is conflicting material around? Play it on the safe side and use a deodorant that does not contain aluminium. A deodorant that contains stabilised aloe vera gel provides effective, all day protection, doesn’t stain clothes, can be applied straight after a shower and after shaving. Until your body becomes use to a chemical free deodorant, you may need to reapply the deodorant 2-3 times a day. A natural aloe vera based deodorant is also ideal for people who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment who have been told by their doctors that they can’t use chemical based antiperspirants during treatment.

As our body’s our exposed to numerous chemicals every day, it makes sense to reduce some of our exposure by choosing a natural deodorant.

Contact: annie@healthanddietinfo.co.uk