Fact Check: Do deodorants cause breast cancer?

Hyderabad: Several social media posts are being widely shared on social media claiming that deodorants cause breast cancer.

The caption of one such post reads, ‘Stop using deodorant especially women it gets into your memory glands and breast milk probably contributes to breast cancer please look up Jim humbles MMS, use it under the arm two times a month it kills the bugs that produce the smell we have been poisoned since birth.’

Is this legit that using deodorants is carcinogenic for women? Let’s find out.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim false as there is no clinical evidence to prove deodorants as carcinogenic for women.

What is breast cancer?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that the breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.

It further lists some warning signs of breast cancer are—

· New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).

· Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

· Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.

· Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.

· Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

· Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.

· Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

· Pain in any area of the breast.

It should be noted that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer.

Can deodorants or antiperspirants possibly cause cancer?

According to the American Cancer society, ‘For many years, rumors have circulated online suggesting that underarm antiperspirants might cause breast cancer. While the research on this topic is limited, most studies have not found any link between antiperspirant use and the development of breast cancer.’

‘There are no strong epidemiologic studies (studies in people) that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use and very little scientific evidence to support this claim.’ it added.

Moreover, a 2002 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute compared 813 women with breast cancer to 993 women without breast cancer. The researchers found no links between antiperspirants, deodorants, or underarm shaving and breast cancer.

We also reached out to an expert Dr. Umanath Nayak, Surgical oncologist at Apollo Cancer Institute.

He said I request you all to not believe in such messages or posts. Such messages are hoaxes that create panic among the public. But, it is highly recommended that in case you notice even a minor lump or a spot pain, consult your health care expert at the earliest.