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Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: January 2002
Last Revised: April 2003

There has been an e-mail campaign recently, which falsely links antiperspirant use to increased risk of developing breast cancer. There is very little in this e-mail that is accurate. The false facts given are:

Rumor: The leading cause of breast cancer is the use of antiperspirants.

Fact: There have been many, many scientific studies looking at what causes breast cancer. None of these studies have shown antiperspirants to be a risk factor.

Rumor: "Toxins" build up in the body and cause abnormal cell growth resulting in breast cancer. Toxins build up because antiperspirants inhibit the exit of toxins from the body.

Fact: Breast cancer is not caused by a build up of toxins in the body. Antiperspirants do not stop toxins from being eliminated. The armpit has sweat glands that help the body keep cool, not eliminate toxins. Sweat is made up of water and salt. There are no toxins in sweat. It is the liver and kidneys that rid the body of toxins.

Research has identified factors that are related to the development of breast cancer. These factors include:

• Being female
• Age over 50
• Personal or close family history of breast cancer
• Hormonal factors
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Age at first period
  • Age at first birth and number of births
  • Age at menopause
• Sedentary life style
• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to ionizing radiation

The best defense against breast cancer is early detection. There are three breast cancer screening techniques, mammography, clinical breast exams and self-breast exams. There is some controversy among agencies that recommend screening guidelines on the frequency and effectiveness of these screening techniques. Generally, women aged 40-50, should have a mammogram every 1-2 years, then annually after age 50. Your physician is the best judge as to how often and when to begin screening procedures.

Symptoms to report to your doctor are:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• A change in the color of the breast or area around the nipple
• Any dimpling or puckering of the skin or change in the color or texture of the skin
• An abnormal discharge from the nipple
• Scaling of the nipple or nipple retraction