A few years ago, an email on the internet claimed that aluminium in deodorants caused breast cancer. Since then, some women fear deodorants. Even brands reacted by advertising their new aluminium-free deodorants and antiperspirants. But does aluminium really cause breast cancer?
Deodorants and antiperspirants work differently. When we sweat, the bacteria on our skin breaks down protein in the sweat and we produce body odour as a result.
Deodorants mask odour but don’t prevent sweating. Instead the ingredients reduce the number of bacteria on our skin, which in turn means that there are less proteins and fats in our sweat that are able to produce a smell. These ingredients sometimes but don’t always include aluminium. Deodorants also contain perfume that masks whatever odour is left.
Antiperspirants on the other hand stop us from sweating through the action of ingredients that sometimes include aluminium salts, which block our eccrine glands. When we don’t sweat, the bacteria on our skin can’t break down acids and therefore can’t produce a smell.
Antiperspirants on the other hand stop us from sweating through the action of ingredients that sometimes include aluminium salts, which block our eccrine glands. When we don’t sweat, the bacteria on our skin can’t break down acids and can’t produce a smell.
Because aluminium salts block sweat glands, many women are worried that especially antiperspirants might carry a risk of cancer.
Rising East spoke to Laura, a senior nurse from Dorset who told us: “There have been a lot of queries if deodorant causes breast cancer, but there has been no link. If deodorant was dangerous it wouldn’t be sold in shops today.”
And on their website Cancer Research UK states that there is “no good evidence to suggest a link” with cancer and that the fact that there is a link is a common misconception.
Laura recommends that women check for signs of breast cancer regularly when they are not on their period. “Use the flat palm of your hand and check your breast and your underarm, as the lymph nodes in your underarms are connected to the lymph knots in your breast. If you are worried about any symptoms always seek medical advice.”
Rising East asked four women about their view on the rumours. Here is what they had to say:
