Aluminium salts, linked to breast cancer

Sep 4, 2007 18:36 GMT  ·  By

A good smell and nice breasts make a woman attractive. But a new study shows there is something tricky in the combination: the aluminium in many anti-perspirants can provoke breast cancer. Women who have had breast cancer or those with family history should think twice before using antiperspirants or deodorants.

Giving up deodorant could be as effective in fighting off cancer risk as a diet rich in cancer-preventing antioxidants. Ironically, women, who eat much more fruit and vegetables than men, cover their armpits daily with chemicals imitating estrogen, the female sex hormone promoting breast cancer.

Deodorants could be now added to risk factors for breast cancer, like dietary carcinogens, fat intake, level of exercise and pollutants.

A recent research made at Keele University discovered that aluminium salts, employed to block the sweat pores, can enter the breast tissue. The salts are found in higher levels in breast zones more prone to cancer, on the side and towards the armpit.

A 2005 research made at the University of Reading found that aluminium salts can act like estrogen in the body. The preservative parabens employed in anti-perspirants have also been encountered in breast cancers.

A U.S. research has discovered that the more often women employ anti-perspirants or deodorants (which do not stop the sweating) and shave their armpits, the earlier cancer installs.

There is no research done as to reveal a clear link between anti-perspirants or deodorants use and cancer development, but with 12 % of the women developing the condition, such a study would be an emergency.

No need to say that the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association in UK has rejected this correlation and the results of the last research.

The most worrying fact about deodorants is that they are used daily for years, so that you accumulate the potential carcinogen. One healthy measure would be their more irregular use, only when you really need them.

Alternating brands also changes continuously the mix of chemicals you receive. Another healthy habit would be the thorough washing in order to remove the chemicals at the end of the day.