DOES ALUMINUM CAUSE BREAST CANCER? HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
“Does aluminum in deodorant cause cancer?” is probably a question that has crossed your mind at some point. The topic of antiperspirant, aluminum, and breast cancer is very controversial. Although it has not been scientifically proven yet that aluminum chloride in antiperspirant causes breast cancer, there are more medical studies and research indicating that there are possible links between the two.
Using antiperspirant exposes you to several ‘chemicals of concern’ 365 days a year. The armpit area is so close to your lymph nodes, that receiving a dose of highly suspicious chemicals every day is worth thinking about and considering why aluminum in deodorant could be a bad idea.
HIGH LEVELS OF SEX HORMONE MAY BE LINKED TO BREAST CANCER
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and plays an important role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, including the breasts. Researchers from the University of Thessaly, Greece, found that aluminum chloride found in antiperspirants could increase estrogen receptors (ER) and estrogen gene expression in breast tissue.
“Some metals, known as metalloestrogens, are also known to elicit estrogen-like activity. Among them, aluminum.”
Why does that matter? Several studies have shown that estrogen plays “a crucial role in mammary gland morphogenesis and breast cancer progression.” In other words, high levels of estrogen have been linked to breast cancer cell growth. Estrogen has been shown to stimulate cancer growth in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. Approximately 67-80% of breast cancer patients have ER positive breast cancer.
RESEARCH STUDY SHOWED ALUMINUM TRANSFORMED SKIN CELLS INTO TUMOR CELLS
The University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, conducted a research study where they exposed the skin cells of mice to the same amount of aluminum chloride found in antiperspirants.
The skin cells of mice were extracted and then cultured with aluminum chloride for 6 months. They then injected 10 mice with the aluminum cultured skin cells and after 5 weeks, they found 8 of the 10 mice had developed tumors and the tumors had metastasized into their lungs.
Not only did prolonged exposure to aluminum turn skin cells into tumor cells, but they can also bypass the body’s immune cells which work to protect the body against tumors.
BREAST CANCER THAT METASTASIZES IS MUCH HARDER TO TREAT
Breast cancer that metastasizes (ability to spread to other parts of the body) is a lot more serious, more likely to reoccur later on, and harder to treat than localized breast cancer.
There is a large concentration of lymph nodes near the breast tissue and underarm (axillary lymph nodes). If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it can easily spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. The more lymph nodes that are affected by cancer, the more likely the cancer will reoccur.
REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE OF ALUMINUM CHLORIDE
Though the verdict on whether aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer, I always advise to use a precautionary approach. This means that since this ingredient is suspicious and deodorant/antiperspirant is something you apply every single day for years and years, it’s best to avoid.
The simplest way to avoid aluminum is by using aluminum-free natural deodorant.