Written by Jill Ettinger
A comprehensive study published in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Applied Technology shows more evidence of a correlation between parabens and incidences of breast cancer.
Titled "Measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue at serial locations across the breast from axilla to sternum," the team of researchers, led by Dr. Philippa Darbre from the University of Reading in the UK, found that virtually all -- 99 percent -- of the tissue samples collected from women participating in the study contained at least one paraben, and 60 percent of the samples contained no less than five parabens.
Parabens are chemicals used as a preservative in a number of cosmetics and personal care products including deodorant, shampoo, makeup, lotions and oral care products, as well as in processed food items and some pharmaceutical products.
Underarm deodorants often contain parabens and have been thought to contribute to an increased risk of high paraben levels in the body that have been linked to breast cancer. But according to Darbre's team, even women who did not use underarm deodorant were found to have parabens present in breast tissue.
The estrogen-mimicking properties of most parabens are believed to be a factor responsible for the rising cases of breast cancer. The prevalence of the number of types of paraben toxins found in the human body, however, make it difficult for researchers to conclude which of the preservatives are most likely the causal agents, but many speculate that parabens commonly found in underarm antiperspirants and deodorants can easily move into breast tissue and may result in tumors.
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