Chemicals in female deodorants linked to rise in breast cancer

DEODORANTS may trigger breast cancer, scientists said yesterday.

The warning is based on research showing that aluminium compounds in some anti-perspirants fuelled fast-spreading tumours.

The experiments were carried out only on mice, and British experts said women should not worry because the same results were not seen in other trials.

But the Swiss scientists behind the latest study have advised women to avoid all deodorants containing aluminium salts.

The compounds, including aluminium chlorohydrate, are found in most popular brands, including Sure, Right Guard, Dove, Vaseline, Nivea, Sanex and Soft & Gentle.

They are used to block the sweat glands but some scientists are concerned that they can have the same effect on the body’s cells as oestrogen, a hormone known to feed breast tumours. Cancer of the breast is the most common form of the disease, causing almost 54,000 cases a year in Britain.

The number of cases is rising, with obesity, alcohol and screening programmes all thought to be responsible. But some experts also believe the chemicals that are part and parcel of modern life are also to blame.

For the study, University of Geneva researchers grew mouse breast cells on a gel that contained aluminium.

The concentrations used were similar to those found in the human breast. The cells were then injected into mice and the animals’ health monitored.

Mice given cells that were grown without aluminium typically did not develop cancer.

However, creatures given the treated cells developed ‘very aggressive’ tumours. The tumours were large and spread to the lung, liver and brain, the International Journal of Cancer reported.

The researchers said that although the metal is generally thought to be harmless, studies show concentrations to be particularly high in the breast.

It is argued that spraying deodorant into the armpits concentrates exposure near the breast.

And women often apply the product after shaving – when nicks and cuts could help the compounds penetrate the skin.

André-Pascal Sappino, a cancer doctor involved in the research, said that aluminium salts were a suspect for breast cancer and the evidence was mounting.

He also likened the use of the compounds to that of asbestos, a material whose health risks became clear only after decades of widespread use.

He also urged women to avoid all deodorants that contain aluminium. Men are advised to check labels because, while breast cancer among them is rare, it is rising.

Elizabeth Salter Green, of campaign group CHEM Trust, said: ‘With rates of breast cancer increasing worryingly, actions should be taken to ensure that we are not exposed to environmental chemicals of concern.’

But Baroness Delyth Morgan, of the charity Breast Cancer Now, said: ‘Studies investigating anti-perspirant or deodorant use in women have consistently shown no good evidence of a link to breast cancer. With the current evidence, there is no reason for women to be concerned about using them on account of their breast cancer risk.’

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, which represents manufacturers, said the Swiss study was only of academic interest.

‘Very aggressive tumours’