Science Questions

Can anti-perspirant cause cancer?

“I’ve just received an email claiming that using an anti-perspirant can possibly cause breast cancer. Is there any proof in this? I’ve been using an anti-perspirant for many years.” Maggie Emerson

Kat -   Absolutely none.  This kind of information goes around and round on the internet but no, there’s been a lot of scientific studies done with large – huge, thousands of women and basically, there’s no difference.  Using an anti-perspirant will not increase your risk of cancer.  Neither will having underwire in your bra that’s too tight or any of those things that go around the internet in hoax emails.

Chris -   I suppose it’s a flaw in statistics, isn’t it?  They're saying, if you look at people who use underarm deodorants, they're more likely to get cancer.  But then everybody uses an underarm deodorant so therefore, by sheer fluke, you're going to see people having breast cancer because it’s a common disease.

Kat -   Also, in people who don’t use underarm deodorants, you still get a case of breast cancer.  I mean the best thing is to check out something like cancer help UK to find out whether this stuff is actually true and try and find out.

October 2009