pureheart

Deodorant debate rages on

Emma Croager

Public concern has once again been raised over the link between
underarm deodorants and cancer, after a recent report that frequent
underarm shaving combined with deodorant use could increase the risk
of breast cancer.

The study, which was carried out by Kris McGrath from Northwestern
University, USA, surveyed the underarm-hygiene habits of 437 women
with breast cancer. Women who shaved their underarms more than twice a
week and applied deodorant more than once a week were almost 15 years
younger when they were diagnosed with breast cancer than those who
used neither regimen. Consistent with previous studies, McGrath found
no link with a younger age of breast cancer diagnosis when either
shaving or deodorant was used alone.

This finding was published shortly after a report from Philippa
Darbre, Reading University, UK, that found traces of parabens —
preservatives used in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products
— in breast tumours. Although there is no proof that parabens
cause cancer and most deodorants no longer contain these compounds,
Darbre said "Their detection in human breast tumours is of concern
since parabens have been shown to mimic the action of the female
hormone oestrogen, [which] can drive the growth of human breast
tumours" (Reuters, 12 January 2004).

Darbre is excited by McGrath's work and claims "It is a landmark
publication because it provides the first epidemiological evidence for
a link between the use of antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer
development"
(NewScientist.com, 24 January 2004). It is clear that more studies
will be needed to resolve this controversial issue

http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/DynaPage.taf?file=/nrc/journal/v4/n3/full/nrc1311_fs.html