Do Underarm Deodorants Cause Breast Cancer? This Is What A Doctor Says

New Delhi: Many people have given up using underarm deodorants in the belief that using them increases the risk of breast cancer. People are concerned that the aluminium content in deodorants, especially roll-on ones, can get absorbed by the body, increasing the risk of breast cancer. A professional Dr Tanaya, who goes by Dr Cuterus on Instagram, took to the platform to put the matter to rest once and for all.

Dr Tanaya shared a reel, talking about this “internet rumour” regarding breast cancer. She said that there is no specific evidence to back the belief that underarm roll-on deodorants can cause breast cancer. She explained why people believe the myth in the first place, saying that people claim that deodorant contains aluminium, which can block the sweat glands and be absorbed into our bodies, resulting in breast cancer, according to a News18 report.

Crushing the myth, the doctor said that the amount of aluminium in an underarm deodorant is insufficient to cause breast cancer. Some studies, she said, have shown that deodorants only have 0.012% aluminium content. The doctor assured her followers not to worry about it and use roll-ons or sprays as much as they liked.

Speaking to Indian Express on the same topic, Dr Teji Dawane, a senior consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist, said that the rumours about underarm perfumes and deodorants causing breast cancer have been floating around despite no scientific backing.

She told the publication that there is no evidence to prove that the aluminium compound present in underarm deodorants and perfumes can promote the growth of cancer cells.” However, she mentioned other risks and highlighted the presence of chemicals like parabens, which can harm the skin and cause irritation.

So, if you have been seeing any rash on the skin due to deo or any other product use, it is advisable to consult a doctor.