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Dr. Mercola
September 20 2007
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Does Your Antiperspirant Cause Cancer?

Aluminum, a common ingredient added to antiperspirants to stop skin sweating, may be linked to breast cancer, a study by British scientists found.

The researchers tested breast samples from 17 breast-cancer patients who had undergone mastectomies. The women who used antiperspirants had deposits of aluminum in their outer breast tissue. Concentrations of aluminum were higher in the tissue closest to the underarm than in the central breast.

Aluminum is not normally found in the human body, and the researchers believe the metal is being absorbed from antiperspirant sprays and roll-ons.

Animal studies have found that aluminum can cause cancer, and the British researcher who led this study, Dr. Chris Exley from Keele University, has also suggested that the aluminum content of sunscreens could increase users’ risk of skin cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Further studies are needed to determine if the aluminum came from antiperspirants and whether it contributed to breast cancer.

The director-general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association said they do not believe that the aluminum in antiperspirants is absorbed by the body.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry November 2007 (This study is not yet published)

Daily Mail September 3, 2007



Dr. MercolaDr. Mercola's Comments:
Let’s get one thing straight, folks. There are certain metals that are toxic to humans; they are poison and most people do not understand this. They are NOT nutrients in small quantities -- if anything they are anti-nutrients.

What are these commonly misunderstood toxins?

Mercury, fluoride, and aluminum.

You don’t need any of these poisons in your body, so remember to avoid them.

Unfortunately, if you use antiperspirants, you are most likely exposing yourself to aluminum -- the heavy metal that’s been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and now possibly breast cancer.

Aluminum salts can account for 25 percent of the volume of some antiperspirants.

Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores that release sweat under your arms -- with the active ingredient being aluminum. Not only does this block one of your body’s routes for detoxification (releasing toxins via your underarm sweat), but it raises concerns about where these heavy metals are going once you roll them (or spray them) on.

Given that antiperspirants are used on your armpits, the aluminum salt concentration is highest near your breast tissue. Further, when women shave under their arms it can result in a higher aluminum-salt absorption rate due to the damaged skin.

The aluminum in antiperspirants has been linked to breast cancer before.

A 2006 study found that aluminum salts can mimic the hormone estrogen, and chemicals that imitate that hormone are known to increase breast cancer risk.

Fortunately, reducing your exposure is pretty simple -- simply ditch your antiperspirant and deodorant.

It’s worth mentioning that deodorants are not the same thing as antiperspirants. They may actually be less problematic than antiperspirants, as they work by neutralizing the smell of your sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria, but do not prevent sweating.

However, many deodorants also contain aluminum, along with parabens, which have also been linked to breast cancer. So, you’re clearly better off avoiding both antiperspirants and deodorants.

Personally, I have not used any antiperspirants or deodorants for over 25 years.

Simple soap and water has served me quite well, and I don't ever recall anyone telling me I had an offensive odor. When I stopped using them I noticed the stains I was getting on the underarms of my shirts stopped. It was clear that they were NOT related to my sweat but to the chemicals in the antiperspirant I was using. If you get stains in the armpit areas of your shirts you can virtually be guaranteed it is from the antiperspirant.

Please remember that most chemicals you put on your skin are absorbed quite nicely into your bloodstream. So if you wouldn’t eat something you would put on your skin, I would advise not using it.

If you simply can’t imagine going without antiperspirant or deodorant, you can find aluminum-free varieties in your local health food store. (But I would encourage you to at least TRY going without before making your mind up.)
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Community Comments ( 80 )
 Comment on this Article
  
  
Katee Roux
 [ Joined on 07/07 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
17 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
"We do not believe that aluminium is absorbed into the body from the use of antiperspirants."

Where does this person get their info from?  That is the point of transdermal patches - the body does absorb thru the skin.  Parabens - used as a preservative in skin care products - are also found in breast cancers.  

I gave up anti-perspirants about 9 months ago.  Had some problems, but thru trial & error came across zinc-based diaper cream (because one of the "natural" products made me itch so).  I still sweat, but it seemed to help with the odor.  As time goes on, tho, i notice i'm less stinky.

Someone else here posted on BO being a result of released toxins in sweat, not the bacteria on our skin.  Eating a healthy diet reduces the toxins released in sweat, less odor.  I think they may have something here.  I don't seem to have as much odor as i've changed to an organic, non-processed food diet.  It makes logical sense.  So many processed foods have such a heavy chemical load.  Even when the "enrich" certain foods, the minerals, etc. they use are not usually  the type our bodies can use.  No wonder we (Americans) are so stinky!
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
cheftodd
 		[ Joined on 04/07 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
10 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
you will find that the cleaner that you eat( no bad foods) , when you sweat it will not stink.
Mercola
  
Vicki Marie
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
7 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
Before I knew how antibotics affect your good bacteria balance, my daughter took them when she was about 5 or 6 for an ear infection. I noticed after that she developed a horrible BO problem which she still has an issue with. I didn't make the connection then but it makes sense to me now. It was
Mercola
  
BeyondOrganic
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola

AAAHHHH ya know you stink Cheftodd!!!!  (Just kidding!) LOL

Mercola
  
Birdlady
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
       
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola

I agree with this too. After I detoxed my body and changed my diet significantly, I barely sweat and it rarely smells at all.

The only times I notice a slight odor is when I am nervous or when it's VERY humid outside.

But I refuse to wear any because it's horrible for me. I don't need to put anymore toxins in my already frail body.

Mercola
  
fullofoats
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 21, 2007]
       
   
Savvy User
  Mercola

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine told me she had a itchy rash on her underarms that despite trying different brands, was not resolving.  She asked to try the organic one I use ( www.naturalpureorganics.com ) and her rash cleared up.  Reading this article makes me glad that it is void of aluminum and parabens.  

I hadn't heard of using diaper cream as a deodorant.  I learn something new on this site every day!

Mercola
  
dixiebru
 		[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on September 21, 2007]
5 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

As a chronic pain patient, my doctor prescribed a transdermal patch for pain. On my last visit I related how hard it was to keep the patch on when I was outside and I prespired heavily.He told me to spray an antiperspirant with aluminium in it on, then place the patch on. When I told him I did'nt want to use one containing aluminium he looked at me like I was crazy and got up and left the room.I guess I forgot that I do not know anything or have a choice in my health care.Why can't some doctors learn to talk to the patient and not at the patient? We may not be doctors, but that doesnt mean we are stupid.

Mercola
  
Aaltrude
 		[ Joined on 04/07 ]  [ Posted on September 22, 2007]
       
   
Savvy User
  Mercola

I agree that BO is probably a result of toxins released in sweat. I don't use antiperspirant or deodorant. I have a mild Multipe Chemical Sensitivity and I have noticed that when I can smell a BO underarm odour it is when I have been feeling ill from an exposure to a substance triggering my MCS. I used to find this very difficult to remove with soap and water. Fortunately after our move to the country, triggering exposures are now rare.

Mercola
  
pisces
 		[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on May 2, 2008]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

When I was stationed in Korea years ago, I noticed that some Koreans ate garlic heavy kimchi and smelled like garlic; not offensive at all, but you could tell they had eaten garlic. Garlic actually has a sweet component to it, and it is that factor that could be noticed with people whose bodies were "clean", as it were. Others, particularly those that had smoked regularly, would eat garlic or onions and these people would stink so bad it would make your eyes water. I think that since the skin is a secondary organ of elimination, the body will do anything it can to expel toxins from the body ....... particularly when the person isn't paying attention to his/her diet.

  
  
KathieJamisonCote
 [ Joined on 04/07 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
14 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
For years we have used deordorants without aluminum.  Our bodies are barraged enough already - we don't need or should not have the added metal which seeps into our bodies through pores.  Tom's of Maine, Jason, Kiss My Face all carry brands w/o aluminum to name a few.  "Liquid Rock" works well for us.

I believe not only does aluminum contribute to breast cancer, but studies link it to Alzheimer's.  Breast cancer contributors in my book include hormone ladened dairy products (which concentrate in the breast), steroids in birth control pills and not breast feeding when the opportunity presents itself. 
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
chirocheer
 		[ Joined on 08/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
11 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
Dr. Burt's deodorant by Burt's Bees is my husband's and my favorite!
Mercola
  
Russ Bianchi
 		[ Joined on 09/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
6 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
What's work with merely washing regularly with basic soap and water and NOT using any deordorants or harmful cosmetics?
Mercola
  
Danlin
 		[ Joined on 09/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
       
   
Novice User
  Mercola

I like Miessence at www.organiclifeshop.com  It's 100% synthetic chemical-free.

Mercola
  
jacquelynt7
 		[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

My mother has stage IV breast cancer and is using a Homeopathic doctor. The first advice she was given was to change to the Shaklee natural deoderant.

In addition to this she has switched to all organic foods and nothing but natural treatments. She's doing amazingly well for what stage of cancer she is at. info@naturallifenaturalyou.com

Mercola
  
T_rex
 		[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) is an effective underarm deodorant that contains no toxic chemicals. Mix it with a little distilled water and try it !

Mercola