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Underarm cosmetics and breast cancer
1Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, University of Reading, PO Box 228, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AJ, UK. p.d.darbre@reading.ac.uk
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|April 1, 2003
Summary
Underarm cosmetics may contribute to breast cancer due to chemical exposure near breast tissue. Further research is needed to confirm this potential link and explore prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Known breast cancer risk factors include BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations and estrogen exposure.
- The primary causes of breast cancer remain largely unknown.
- Underarm cosmetics contain various chemicals applied near breast tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between underarm cosmetic use and breast cancer.
- To explore the biological plausibility of underarm cosmetics as a breast cancer agent.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical observations and chemical properties of underarm cosmetics.
- Hypothesizing a biological mechanism for carcinogenesis.
- Call for multidisciplinary research into long-term effects.
Main Results:
- A disproportionately high incidence of breast cancer is observed in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.
- Constituent chemicals in underarm cosmetics have the potential to bind to DNA and promote cell growth.
Conclusions:
- Underarm cosmetics are a potential, yet unconfirmed, factor in breast cancer development.
- Further multidisciplinary research is crucial to establish causality and inform prevention strategies.