Are Antiperspirants Linked To Breast Cancer?
You’ve probably heard it on the news already or maybe this is your first time reading about the link between antiperspirants and breast cancer. It’s pretty big news right now and we wanted to dedicate a post about this very important subject.
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women living in America. Therefore, a lot of money, research and resources have been pumped into finding out what causes breast cancer, how it can be prevented and treated. One of the things found to possibly contribute to the development of breast cancer is antiperspirants.
How Did The Rumors Start?
The rumors linking antiperspirants to breast cancer started in the late 1990s after an online magazine published a series of articles claiming that underarm products that contained harmful chemicals such as aluminum was being absorbed by the skin and entering the lymph nodes under the arm.
The articles suggested that the body was unable to get rid of these harsh chemicals due to the sweat preventing qualities of the antiperspirant, therefore the high toxin built-up is said to cause cancer in the breast tissue.
The Dangers of Aluminum and Parabens in Antiperspirants
Due to the uproar and panic amongst women, several scientists took up the responsibility of conducting studies to figure out whether chemicals such as aluminum and parabens were the cause of breast cancer.
One study conducted in 2005 concentrated on how aluminum-based compounds found in antiperspirants can produce estrogen-like effects in the body. The study stated that estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells and when aluminum is applied frequently near the breast, it may be absorbed by the skin and could be contributing to the over-stimulation of estrogen.
Another study focused on the use of parabens in antiperspirants and the role it has in mimicking the activity of estrogen in the body’s cells. Even though the researchers found traces of paraben in cancerous tumors in the breast, there was no clear evidence that it was paraben that caused breast cancer.
However, The Results Remain Non-Conclusive…
Despite research and scientists confirming a possible link between using aluminum-based products and breast cancer, there is no clear evidence suggesting this to be true beyond a reasonable doubt. A study by Roswell Park concluded that the lymph nodes are not connected to the sweat glands, therefore they argue that it is not possible that aluminum from traditional antiperspirants can enter the body and reach the breast cells.
Results remain conflicting and additional research is still needed to clearly determine whether a relationship between antiperspirants and breast cancer exists.
MAKING THE SWITCH TO NATURAL DEODORANT
Whatever side of the fence you’re on when it comes to the relationship between antiperspirants and breast cancer, making the switch to a natural crystal deodorant can still benefit you, your health and your lifestyle in many ways. Using natural crystal deodorant can allow your body to release toxins in your body naturally, regardless of whether they cause cancer or not, those nasties need to come out!
Using natural crystal deodorant is a vegan, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly choice that allows you to become a part of a bigger movement on making a more positive impact on your health, lifestyle choices and the environment as a whole.
However, it’s important to know that using natural deodorant won’t stop you from sweating. Remember to shower before applying the crystal stick and if you’re a heavy sweater, use natural, chemical-free powders such as baking soda or arrowroot to help soak up any wetness.
If you’re ready for a healthier, more eco-conscious way of keeping fresh and clean without exposing your body to harsh, damaging chemicals, make the switch to nakd deodorant today.
Josh Spilewski
Founder