Question & Answer

Does using antiperspirant/deodorant cause breast cancer?
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  • Antiperspirants and deodorants often contain aluminium or aluminium chloride.
  • It has been claimed that using underarm antiperspirant and deodorant products causes breast cancer.
  • Two studies published in 2003 and 2004 attempted to establish a connection between the use of antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. However, cancer experts suggest that these two studies linking deodorant use to breast cancer are flawed in their methodology.
  • A systematic review of six studies with 1674 breast cancer patients and 1662 control patients have suggested that there is no association between use of antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer.
  • A recently conducted primary study involving 384 people also concluded that there is no relationship between the use of aluminium containing antiperspirant with breast cancer.

Things to Remember

Reviewers

  • Drafted by: Dr. KM Saif-Ur-Rahman, Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway.
  • Reviewed by: Prof Declan Devane, School of Nursing and Midwifery, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway.
  • Topic Advisor: Dr. Frank Moriarty, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
  • Public and Patient advisor: Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Public and Patient Involvement in health and social care research (PPI) advisor, PPI Ignite, University of Galway.
  • Journalistic advisor: Dr. Claire O’Connell, Contributor to The Irish Times, writing about health, science and innovation.
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