Dear doctor;

Do antiperspirant duodorants have chemicals that can cause certain ailments like cancers like some social media messages suggest?

Evaline, Kigali.

Dear Evaline,

Antiperspirant deodorants are said to be linked to breast cancer due to presence of chemicals like parabens, which mimic estrogens. Some studies suggest increase in risk of breast cancer by one to two per cent due to use of anti perspirant deodorants. Regular shaving of underarms and use of deodorants increases the risk over time. However, some studies refute this theory.

They claim that life style factors contribute more to breast cancer. Having children late in life, not breast feeding them, obesity, hereditary factors, all these contribute to breast cancer. They also argue that similar chemicals are present in other body care products as well like in sprays, lotions, etc. However,  excess of anything is bad. No chemical is entirely safe.

Chemicals present in deodorants can cause local eczema, allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Regular bathing,  good personal hygiene and use of clean clothes as such keeps the body fresh with no bad odor, that is to say, a situation in which no  deodorants  or perfumes are needed.