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Breast cancer 'may be linked to deodorants' says study
Increased levels of aluminium in breast cells may be evidence that the metal is linked to breast cancer, according to research published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry.
Scientists from Keele University measured the levels of aluminium in breast tissue samples taken from 17 cancer patients at Wythenshaw Hospital in Manchester. They found that the aluminium content of breast tissue and breast tissue fat was greater towards the armpit, where there is a higher incidence of tumours.
Aluminium is a major constituent of most antiperspirants, where it acts to stop the skin producing sweat. The researchers say that the higher levels of the metal occur where the highest density of antiperspirant might be expected, though they found no direct evidence that the aluminium originated from deodorants. They suggest an alternative explanation that cancerous tissue acts as a 'sink' for aluminium already in the body.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Sarah Cant of charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: “There is no reliable scientific evidence to suggest a link between deodorant or antiperspirant use and breast cancer.
“A large number of scientific studies have investigated breast cancer risk factors, however there is no good evidence to suggest that either deodorant or antiperspirant use or exposure to aluminium can increase the risk of developing this disease. This very small study in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry does not provide any further proof.”
In the UK, more than 1,000 women die from breast cancer each month. It has emerged today that Jane Tomlinson CBE lost her battle with the disease yesterday evening, at the age of 43. Through participating in and organising a series of sporting events, she had raised £1.75 million for cancer charities since being told by doctors in 2000 that her incurable breast cancer meant she had just six months to live.
Category: Healthy Lifestyle
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