The use of deodorants or antiperspirants would not increase the risk of breast cancer. Currently, there is no scientific evidence on this relationship, said Dr. Mauricio León Rivera, Surgical Oncologist of our clinic.

The specialist pointed out that these products could only produce allergic reactions on the skin of sensitive people and do not pose any risk of contracting breast cancer, at least is what we know to date.

“Several studies have been conducted trying to correlate the paraben found in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and deodorants, as well as in breast cancer cells, but there is no evidence to produce it, even today, most deodorants and antiperspirants produced in the United States no longer contain this substance”, he added.

However, the doctor reported that there are other risk factors such as advanced age, family history of cancer, the start of menstruation at an early age (before 13), first pregnancy after 35, obesity or overweight, and tobacco or alcohol use.

Also, menopause after 55 years, consumption of saturated fats, and the indiscriminate use of hormones such as replacement therapy (HRT) to avoid aging.

Important fact

Breast cancer is a malignant pathology that has shown in recent years an increasing trend in all women, becoming the most common cancer in Peruvian women, surpassing uterine cancer, especially the increase has occurred in those under 35, representing approximately 5 percent of diagnosed cases.

Dr. León recommended that women above the age of 20 should carry out a self-examination once a month to know their breasts, the shape, and the texture they normally have. This will help to discover any alteration or change. Also, he stressed that it is important to undergo a physical examination at or after age 30 and mammography at or after age 40, both annually performed by a Specialist.

Dr. Mauricio León
Surgical Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma