Breast Cancer: The Role Of Natural Deodorants and Pit Detoxes
Does deodorant cause breast cancer?
Lately, you might have come across discussions, rumors, or even alarming claims suggesting a potential link between deodorants and breast cancer. It's a topic that tugs at our fears and raises questions about our everyday self care products.
And for good reason! One concern is that breast cancer tends to occur more frequently in the upper, outer quadrant of the breast, which is closer to the underarm. Despite this, many claim there is no conclusive evidence establishing a direct link between the use of deodorants and the development of breast cancer.
However, when it comes to something as serious as breast cancer, trusting an “inconclusive” claim doesn’t sit well with us, and we found evidence about deodorant and breast cancer that raise red flags and should not be ignored.
Is there a connection between deodorants and breast cancer?
Both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute, say there are no strong studies or scientific evidence linking breast cancer risk with deodorants and antiperspirants.
Yet, while studies spanning several years have been conducted, the outcomes have been inconsistent and, at times, conflicting. None of these studies have conclusively demonstrated a cause-and-effect relationship, leaving the question unanswered regarding whether the specific ingredients in deodorants have a direct impact on the risk of breast cancer.
In a pivotal study conducted in 2002 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers compared 813 women diagnosed with breast cancer to 993 women without the condition. Surprisingly, the findings showed no significant links between breast cancer and the use of antiperspirants, deodorants, or underarm shaving.
Subsequent studies in 2003 and 2009 introduced the possibility of connections between deodorant use and breast cancer. While they suggested a connection, they couldn't definitively prove that deodorant directly causes breast cancer.
Another significant study, published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004, delved into the examination of 20 breast tissue samples. The research identified small amounts of paraben, a preservative commonly found in underarm products, in some breast tumors. Despite this discovery, the study fell short of demonstrating a clear, direct association between parabens in deodorants and breast cancer.
The 2005 study published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry suggested a potential risk associated with aluminum, a common ingredient in antiperspirants. The study proposed that aluminum could damage DNA and interfere with estrogen, emphasizing the need for further research to explore this potential connection.
In 2017, a study published in The Lancet involved 209 females with breast cancer and 209 healthy individuals as a control group. This study hinted at an increased risk for women using underarm cosmetic products multiple times a day before age 30. However, this study did not conclusively indicate that deodorants or antiperspirants could increase the overall risk of breast cancer.
What ingredients should I avoid if I’m still concerned?
Confused? I get it. While numerous studies indicate there is no link between antiperspirants, deodorants, and breast cancer, not all of them are conclusive.
The National Cancer Institute states, “Only a few studies have investigated a possible relationship between breast cancer and underarm antiperspirants/deodorants.”
To us,”maybe” is not a good reason to ignore the warning signs. That they can’t conclusively prove there is no link, leaves us still questioning the safety of deodorants and antiperspirants.
One thing is for sure, the ingredients in commercial deodorant and antiperspirants are questionable and toxic. Cancer or no cancer, these ingredients have other adverse effects from being linked to Alzheimer’s disease, as endocrine disruptors, and cancer in general.
For this reason, let’s explore the ingredients you want to avoid when it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants.
It is important to note that deodorants and antiperspirants are classified differently. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes deodorants as cosmetics and antiperspirants as drugs. Deodorants contain ingredients designed to mask odors. Antiperspirants contain ingredients that block pores and decrease sweat. Some products do both.
While no scientific evidence links deodorants or antiperspirants with breast cancer, these products contain toxic ingredients like aluminum chlorohydrate, triclosan, parabens, glycol, TEA, FD&C, DEA, and various other toxins that no one should absorb through their skin.
Common deodorant ingredients include:
Aluminum: Some studies have shown a connection between aluminum and cancer as well as Alzheimer’s and kidney disease.
Parabens: Disrupt natural hormones and are frequently found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer.
Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that kills germs but can also harm healthy cells.
Phthalates: Natural hormone disruptors that can create an imbalance in your system.
Propylene glycol: Otherwise known as antifreeze, it has been shown to cause damage to your central nervous system.
The Importance of an Armpit Detox
As we delve into the realm of natural deodorants and their potential impact on breast health, it's essential to understand the significance of an armpit detox. Beyond the buzzwords, armpit detoxification presents potential benefits that go beyond merely odor control.
- Balanced Bacteria for Reduced Body Odor
When you detox your pits, you’re helping your skin return to its natural pH balance, creating a healthier "skin microbiome" in the armpit area. A balanced microbiome decreases the odor of your sweat.
- Improved Skin Health
Commercial antiperspirants, laden with chemicals and fragrances, can be harsh on the skin, leading to irritations and inflammation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Opting for a detox and embracing more natural products serves as a gentle alternative, promoting healthier skin.
Additionally, antiperspirants, designed to curb sweating, can contribute to skin dryness, making it prone to chafing, redness, and inflammation. Choosing a safe detox involves using gentle ingredients to avoid harsh or drying effects on the skin.
- Elimination of Toxic Buildup from Antiperspirants
While there may not be explicit studies proving the efficacy of armpit detox in removing toxic chemicals left by commercial antiperspirants, the logic aligns.
Your lymphatic system, a crucial part of this process, acts as a network of tissues and organs dedicated to flushing out toxins, waste, and undesired substances from your body.
Unfortunately, lymph nodes, especially those in the armpits, can become blocked, particularly when using commercial deodorant and antiperspirants.
By detoxifying your lymph nodes, you allow your body to effectively release accumulated toxins, facilitating a healthier lymphatic system. This is particularly important for the lymph nodes in the armpit region, which are prone to challenges like blockages and swelling.
In essence, an armpit detox offers a potential avenue to support your body in the natural process of purging toxins and maintaining a well-functioning lymphatic system.
A Natural Deodorant That Detoxes Your Pits & Eliminates Odor
Now that you know the reasons to avoid commercial deodorant and antiperspirants, what are you supposed to do? Just succumb to sweating and smelling?
The truth is, by giving up commercial deodorants and antiperspirants, you’re not giving up much. Long-term use of antiperspirants can alter your body's bacteria, leading to persistent body odor and other unpleasant issues including the risks of breast cancer and other health issues we mentioned above.
Add to that the concern about toxic chemicals, including aluminum, getting trapped inside your armpits and causing serious health issues and the only solution is to switch to a natural deodorant.
Even if you've avoided commercial antiperspirants or deodorants, your armpits can still accumulate toxins and odor-causing bacteria over time. Everyday activities, environmental factors, and even dietary choices can contribute to the buildup of unwanted substances in this sensitive area.
Enter Primal Life Organics Stick Up Deodorant. Here's what it can do for you:
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Eliminate odor causing bacteria & toxins: We use the power of two natural clays, bentonite, and kaolin, to detoxify your pits. This natural detoxification process not only eliminates the smell but also promotes your overall health over time.
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Eliminate odor completely: To eliminate odor, our secret weapon is zinc oxide, which converts smelly fatty acids into odorless zinc salts, offering comprehensive odor control from the inside out.
- Rebalance Natural Bacterial Flora: Because Stick Up Deodorant detoxes your armpits with every use, it promotes a healthy balance of bacteria, supporting your body's natural processes while encouraging lymphatic drainage, a crucial aspect of overall wellness.
Our Stick Up Deodorant is designed to make your armpit detox a daily ritual. With every application, it works to eliminate odor at its source. The powerful formula not only eradicates bacteria but transforms smelly fatty acids into odorless zinc salts, ensuring that we don't just mask the smell – we eliminate it.
Here’s how to use it:
1️⃣ Apply 2-3 swipes, remembering that less is more. The slight yellow or lavender color serves as a reminder to move to step 2.
2️⃣ Massage the deodorant into your pit, providing a gentle lymph node massage. This step aids in draining toxic fluid and is especially beneficial for breast health in women.
3️⃣ Watch for the yellow/lavender color to disappear. The deodorant goes on as a cream but has a powdery finish, keeping you dry while combating odor and detoxing your pits – all without clogging your sweat glands.
The Role Of Natural Deodorants And Breast Health
In conclusion, the conversation around deodorants and their potential connection to breast cancer is a complex one, marked by inconclusive studies and ongoing research. While current evidence doesn't establish a direct link, the concerns raised about certain ingredients and their impact on our health cannot be ignored.
Choosing a natural deodorant, like Primal Life Organics Stick Up Deodorant, not only offers an effective solution for eliminating odor but also aligns with the principles of supporting your body's natural processes.
By prioritizing an armpit detox and opting for products free from harmful chemicals, you take a proactive step towards overall wellness. Let's navigate this journey together, embracing informed choices and prioritizing our health with an open mind.
REFERENCES
https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/94/20/1578/1802711
https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/bcr2424
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14745841/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16045991/
https://www.thelancet.com/article/S2352-3964(17)30233-5/fulltext
https://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702500-FORMALDEHYDE/
https://www.center4research.org/are-antiperspirants-safe/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4741080/
https://asm.org/articles/2021/december/microbial-origins-of-body-odor
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes
