Is your morning routine contributing to cancer? In a new report from Time, Dr. Philippa Darbre, an oncologist at the University of Reading in the U.K., says she’s detected chemicals in women’s breast tissues that could be tied to deodorant.
The estrogenic chemicals, called parabens, are found in deodorants, but how and if they connect is unknown.
Combining the estrogenic chemicals with human cells possibly could contribute to the development of cancer, Darbre’s experiments show. A study in 2002 found no connection betwixt antiperspirants and breast cancer, but one year later, another study did find some connections.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the concern comes from excess estrogen possibly promoting the growth of cancer cells.
Since parabens contain estrogen, this could be a way they interact with the body’s hormones exposing the tissue to estrogen receptors, Dr. Philip Harvey, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Applied Toxicology, told Time.
Time reported the FDA believes there’s no use in consumers worrying about personal products containing parabens: “If FDA determines that a health hazard exists, agency will advise the industry and the public.”
Researchers from the American Cancer Society shut down rumors of antiperspirants being linked to breast cancer on their website. They state there is little scientific evidence to support claims of antiperspirants causing breast cancer.
Although the studies run back and forth, Harvey told Time, “Any chemical with known hormonal activity in your personal care regimen is questionable.”
Read more from Time.