What Medical Experts Say
"There is no reliable scientific evidence to suggest a link between deodorant or antiperspirant use - both on their own and in combination with shaving - and breast cancer. A large number of scientific studies have investigated breast cancer risk factors, however there is no reliable evidence to suggest deodorant or antiperspirant use are two of them."
Dr Sarah Rawlings, Head of Policy and Information at Breakthrough Breast Cancer
"The absence of any observed associations may help alleviate the concern of many that use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants could alter their risk for breast cancer."
Dr Dana Mirick et al Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
"Various media reports have claimed that antiperspirants increase the risk for breast cancer, but the only scientific study which has looked directly at this question did not observe any association between antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk."
Dr Tim Key, Cancer Research UK
"There is no experimental or epidemiological evidence to support (a link between breast cancer and antiperspirants). Chemicals in products such as antiperspirants are tested thoroughly to assure their safety. Also, the claims about toxin accumulation are not consistent with scientific concepts of cancer development."
"Scientists at the National Cancer Institute 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. Thus, there appears to be no basis for this concern."
"Several Internet articles and a widely-circulated email claim that antiperspirants cause breast cancer. One supposed reason is that they contain cancer-causing chemicals, which are absorbed through your skin. Another allegation is that they prevent your body from expelling cancer-causing toxins through your sweat ... These explanations are both false. Your antiperspirant can't give you breast cancer."