Breast cancer is exploding in women and occurring with more frequency in men. There are many possible causes. But one concern Ive raised in the past now has even more scientific proof behind it.
Several years ago, I wrote about the potential problems with antiperspirants, particularly those containing aluminum. Aluminum compounds help wick up the moisture under your arm. Sounds like a good idea, but aluminum is a bad metal. Its a highly reactive metal and can damage sensitive breast tissue.
The aluminum you apply to your thin underarm area can easily migrate into tissues susceptible to cancer. Animal studies confirm that the metal can cause cancer. Researchers have believed for some time that your body can absorb the material from sprays or roll-ons. And a new study confirms that this does indeed happen in humans.
The researchers studied breast tissue samples from 17 breast cancer patients who had mastectomy. The women who used antiperspirants had deposits of aluminum in their outer breast tissue. Breast tissue closest to the underarm area had the highest levels.
Aluminum is not normally found in your body. So why is it concentrated in cancerous breasts?
The lead researcher, Dr. Chris Exley from Keele University, suggested that the problem does not stop with antiperspirants. He said the aluminum content of sunscreens also could increase your risk of skin cancer and Alzheimers disease.
What did the cosmetic industry have to say about it? The director-general of their British association said that they do not believe that aluminum in their products is absorbed. Sounds like another Vioxx scandal to me. Do they have research to back up their belief? If so, why did not they present it? And if not, is not there a moral duty to do due diligence? In the world of the corporate bottom line, and entities (corporations) that act more like sociopaths, the only duty is to shareholders.
Action to take: Please stop using deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum. Your brain, breasts, and immune system will thank you.
Ref: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, November 2007; Daily Mail, September 3, 2007.