Chemicals in deodorants and cosmetics - breast cancer link?

A study has indicated that chemicals from some underarm deodorants and some cosmetics build up in the body.


The researchers (from UK) have found traces of parabens (chemical) in tumours (US spelling - tumors) of women with breast cancer.


Scientists are calling for the use of parabens to be reviewed (there is not yet any evidence of a link).


Parabens, according to the cosmetics industry, are used as preservatives and are approved by regulators. The industry insists they are safe.


In this small study, carried out by Dr. Philippa Darbre and colleagues (Reading University, UK), tests were carried out on samples from 20 different breast tumours (of humans). Traces of parabens were found in every sample.


It seems that the parabens had seeped into the tissue after going onto the skin.


'This is the first study to show their accumulation in human tissues,' said Dr Darbre. 'It demonstrates that if people are exposed to these chemicals, then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies.'


'Their detection in human breast tumours is of concern since parabens have been shown to be able to mimic the action of the female hormone oestrogen,' she said.


'Oestrogen can drive the growth of human breast tumours. It would therefore seem especially prudent to consider whether parabens should continue to be used in such a wide range of cosmetics applied to the breast area including deodorants.'


Delyth Morgan (of Breakthrough Breast Cancer) said, 'This extremely small study does not demonstrate a direct causal link between deodorant or antiperspirant use and developing breast cancer.


'Further research is needed to establish the source of the chemicals found in the breast tumour samples and what, if any, the relationship is to breast cancer.'


The UK's Department of Trade and Industry said (through a spokesman) that the UK government will examine these findings.