> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Estrogenic cosmetic chemicals - parabens found in breast cancer tissue - URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/parabens_breast_cancer_0114120325/ - Published: 2012-01-14T16:21:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T15:55:17.000Z - Description: British researchers found one or more parabens in 158 of 160 breast tissue samples taken from 40 mastectomy patients, including seven women who said they had never used underarm products. Levels were four times higher than in a similar 2004 study. - Author: Food Consumer - Tags: Environment, Health News, Breast Cancer, Parabens, #vivvo-import By Maria Cendejas Saturday Jan 14, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Researchers have studied for several years now a possible link between breast cancer risk and substances called parabens which are used as a germ fighting preservative in cosmetics like antiperspirants and deodorants, according to Health Day News. Investigators have learned that parabens, also found in food products and some drugs, mimic a female reproductive hormone called estrogen, which is known as an established risk factor for breast cancer. But by examining breast tissue samples from 40 women who had mastectomies, British researchers have now found traces of parabens present widespread in tissues, even in the seven women who said they'd never used underarm products. Dr. Philippa Darbre, cancer researcher at the University of Reading who has long studied the issue said, "The implication is that in these seven nonusers, the paraben measured must have come from another product or products.” In the study published online in January in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, Darbre and colleagues reported that one or more types of parabens were found in 158 of the 160 samples taken from the breast tissue collected from the 40 breast cancer patients. They found 96 samples contained all five of the most common parabens. The levels of parabens were found now to be 4 times higher than what were found in a similar study Darbre conducted back in 2004. Darbre said, "Since 2004 many of the manufacturers (although not all) have been removing parabens from the underarm deodorant/antiperspirant products and so I was rather surprised when we found higher levels of parabens in these breast tissues (sourced after 2004). Higher levels of one form of paraben were found in the region of the breast closest to the armpit, and the women had a disproportionate incidence of breast cancer in that area.” Darbre however cautioned that the research couldn’t be taken to imply parabens was a cause for breast cancer. "Although estrogen is an acknowledged component in the development of breast cancer, it remains to be established as to whether environmental chemicals with estrogenic properties contribute a functional component to the disease process," she said. "I remain as ambivalent as ever about hounding any one chemical. I feel sure the issue is bigger than one chemical." She believes that the parabens found in breast tissue come from a wide range of products other than antiperspirants and deodorants. The American Cancer Society found no clear link between deodorant/antiperspirants and breast cancer. on their website, they posted that, "There are no strong epidemiological studies in the medical literature that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim." The vice president emeritus of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society, Dr. Michael J. Thun reviewed findings from the new study, and he said the fact that the preservatives were found in the majority of the breast tissue samples can’t be taken to mean that they actually cause breast cancer, he said. Thun said, "Rather than the study merely confirms earlier, smaller studies which detected parabens in breast tissue of women with cancer. It shows that parabens can be absorbed (probably from personal care products) and the underarm deodorant is not the only source." According to the American Cancer Society, other studies have found that parabens can be absorbed by the skin. They are also found in make-up, lotions, and sunscreen. The organization says that more and larger studies are needed to find out what effect, if any, the parabens might have on breast cancer risk. This is not the only study that links parabens to breast cancer. A 2004 study by Northwestern University found that an earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis was related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving. "I personally feel there is a very strong correlation between the underarm hygiene habits and breast cancer," said immunologist Dr. Kris McGrath, the author of the study. This research has fueled a popular belief that the parabens in underarm deodorants and other cosmetics can migrate into breast tissue and contribute to the development of tumors. Parabens are used as preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used often for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be used in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution, makeup, toothpaste or even as food additives. Breast cancer is expected to be diagnosed in more than 200,000 American women each year and the disease kills about 50,000 women in the United States. Breast cancer is largely preventable. Many lifestyle and dietary parameters can be modified to reduce the risk. The take-home message is, people should by all means avoid products with parabens. Although the current study revealed an association, but because parabens have estrogenic properties, these chemicals can act like estrogen, which is known to boost breast cancer.