“The American Cancer Society is not aware of any strong epidemiologic studies reporting a statistical association between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use", the American Cancer Society has stated. “To the contrary, a carefully-designed epidemiologic study of this issue published in 2002 compared 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women without the disease and found no relationship between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, deodorant use, or underarm shaving."

Similarly, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation reports: “There have been reports of concern that chemicals found in deodorants and antiperspirants could penetrate the skin of the underarm and cause harm. Although there have only been a few studies looking at use of these products and breast cancer risk, the research to date doesn't support a link between the two…it does not appear likely that use of these products increases the risk of breast cancer.”

The National Cancer Institute says: "There is no conclusive research linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.” Click here to access the National Cancer Institute’s fact sheet on this topic.

And finally, BreastCancer.org weighs in with a different approach to the question: "Even the strongest antiperspirant doesn't block all perspiration in the armpit. Most cancer-causing substances are removed by the kidneys and released through urine or processed by the liver. Sweating isn't a significant way for your body to release toxins. And while there are concerns about chemicals, such as phthalates and parabens used for fragrance and preservation, from a whole list of personal care products (including antiperspirants) being absorbed by the body, these chemicals are unlikely to be culprits in causing breast cancer.”

Bottom line: Rather than abandoning the use of antiperspirants (an unappealing option for hyperhidrosis sufferers), the public health experts recommend lifestyle and proactive early detection efforts to help reduce your risk of breast cancer. For instance, Cancer.org advises:

“Women concerned about breast cancer should know that their risk is much more likely to be affected by factors known to affect hormone levels in the body, such as obesity and hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Women who want to reduce their risk of developing or dying from breast cancer should take these actions:

• Avoid or limit hormone replacement therapy
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Limit the amount of alcohol they drink
• Know how their breasts look and feel, and report any changes to their doctors right away
• Get regular mammograms and breast exams by their doctors as recommended."

Early detection of breast cancer plays a significant role in outcomes, so it’s very important for all women to follow the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for finding breast cancer early.

If you have additional concerns about your cancer risk, please talk to your doctor about risk factors and how to limit them as well as about how to perform breast self exams and if, when, and how often you should have mammograms and other medical breast exams. Your friends here at the International Hyperhidrosis Society want you to live a long, healthy life.