National Cancer Institute (NCI) Statement

Date reviewed: 02/04/2003

Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer

Articles in the press and on the Internet have warned that underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer. The reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving.

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any research to support a link between the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food, cosmetics, medicines, and medical devices, also does not have any evidence or research data to support the theory that ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer.

The results of a study looking for a relationship between breast cancer and underarm antiperspirants/deodorants were reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2002. The findings did not show any increased risk for breast cancer in women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant. The results also showed no increased breast cancer risk for women who reported using a blade (nonelectric) razor and an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant, or for women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant within 1 hour of shaving with a blade razor. These conclusions were based on interviews with 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women with no history of breast cancer.

People who are concerned about their cancer risk are encouraged to talk with their doctor. More information about cancer is available on the NCI’s Web site (http://cancer.gov). Also, U.S. residents may wish to contact the NCI’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) with any remaining questions or concerns about breast cancer.

Inquirers who live outside the United States may wish to contact the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) for information about a resource in their country. The UICC Web site is located at http://www.uicc.org on the Internet. Also, some countries have organizations that offer services similar to those of the U.S. Cancer Information Service. A list of international cancer information services can be found at http://cis.nci.nih.gov/resources/intlist.htm on the Internet.

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