Use of Parabens Chemical causes Breast Cancer - Facts Analysis

Story:

Parabens – 99% of Breast Cancer Tissue Contained This Everyday Chemical.
Parabens are chemicals that serve as preservatives in antiperspirants, cosmetics & sun lotions.
Scientific research has shown that most breast cancers develop in the upper-outer quadrant of the breast. And it just so happens that area is closest to the lymph nodes exposed to antiperspirants.

Other Versions

Parabens in Antiperspirants and Deodorants May Cause Breast Cancer.

Analysis:

The message claims that use of Parabens chemical, a kind of preservative used in antiperspirants, cosmetics & sun lotions can cause breast cancer in women. Although preliminary studies suggested a link between use of Paraben chemical and breast cancer, extensive study showed that use of such deodorants or antiperspirants does not constitute a risk of breast cancer. The message is a hoax.

Parabens and Health Concerns

Parabens are a class of chemical preservatives used to prevent the growth of microbes in number of cosmetics and personal care products like deodorant, antiperspirant, shampoo, makeup, lotions and also in oral care products, processed food items and few pharmaceutical products.

The health concerns about using Parabens started when they were found in biopsies of breast tumors and in urine samples of almost all U.S. adults. Researchers believed that these Parabens can be absorbed through the skin, blood and digestive system; and because of their estrogen-mimicking properties, they were believed to be responsible for development and increase of breast cancer cases in U.S. Estrogen is a female hormone that allows breast cells (both normal and cancerous) to grow and divide.

Facts

Following this increase concern over breast cancer fears with Parabens from deodorants and antiperspirants, a group of American and French scientists carried an extensive research on available studies and came to a conclusion that there is no evidence to show that there is a direct causal link between usage of Parabens and breast cancer. Women who did not use underarm deodorant were also found to have parabens in breast tissue. The study concluded that the deodorants and antiperspirants having parabens do not constitute a risk of breast cancer. The research team also did not find any scientific evidence to support the claim and continue this line of research.

Conclusion

Parabens do have a weak estrogen-like properties, but the natural estrogens formed in the body are hundreds to thousands times stronger than these, and are more likely to play a role in development of breast cancer. Moreover, there are many such compounds in environment that mimic the natural estrogen activity. So such deodorants and antiperspirants do not cause breast cancer.

Nevertheless, for those health conscious people who want to avoid parabens, there are parabens-free cosmetics available in the market.