Breast cancer cases are rising among women worldwide. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, approximately 2.3 to 2.4 million new cases of breast cancer are reported annually, resulting in around 700,000 deaths. A major reason for the disease becoming severe is the failure to detect it in time. While detection rates are higher in wealthy nations, the risk of death remains significantly high in low-income regions due to limited facilities for early diagnosis and treatment.

Health experts note that while the risk of breast cancer certainly increases with age, younger women are also increasingly affected. This is why doctors advise against ignoring even minor changes in the body. Recognizing bodily changes early and seeking immediate medical consultation or testing if something seems unusual can protect you from serious danger.

Medical reports indicate that individuals with a family history of breast cancer need to be particularly vigilant. Additionally, certain genetic mutations, hormonal factors, excess weight, and a lack of physical activity can increase your risk.

Does using deodorant increase the risk of breast cancer?

Viral social media reels suggest that daily use of deodorants or antiperspirants could cause breast cancer, claiming that certain chemicals present in them might pose a cancer risk.

What causes breast cancer?

Before exploring this, it is important to understand the conditions that can lead to breast cancer.

Breast cancer is not caused by a single factor; rather, a combination of various factors can increase the risk. Advancing age is a significant factor.
Additionally, a family history of breast cancer or other cancers, specific genetic mutations, hormonal factors, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity can all heighten the risk.

What claims are being made on social media? Claims are being made that using deodorants or antiperspirants (products that inhibit sweating) can cause breast cancer. It is often alleged that by blocking sweat, antiperspirants obstruct the body's lymph nodes—small organs linked to the immune system. This supposedly leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body, eventually resulting in breast cancer.

It is worth noting that various other reports have also suggested that deodorant use can be harmful to health. So, can it actually cause breast cancer?

What do the experts say?

Senior cancer surgeon Dr. Ajayesh Sharma explains that, first and foremost, it is crucial to understand that breast cancer originates in breast cells, not in the lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are part of the body's immune system and help fight infections.

If lymph flow is obstructed, it can cause swelling in a part of the body—a condition known as lymphedema—but there is no scientific evidence linking this to cancer.

Numerous studies on this subject have been conducted over the past two decades, involving groups of women ranging from 800 to over 7,000. Consistently, these studies have found no clear evidence that the use of deodorants or antiperspirants increases the risk of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society has also stated that the use of deodorants or antiperspirants does not cause breast cancer.

How can the risk of breast cancer be reduced?

Doctors note that while deodorants may not pose a risk of breast cancer, certain lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of developing the disease; therefore, all women should make consistent efforts towards prevention.

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