Study: Preservatives in Cosmetics Found in Breast Cancer Tissue

Chemicals in antiperspirants and cosmetics may play a larger role in breast cancer than previously thought, according to the study reported in the Journal of Applied Toxicology.

Researchers discovered that an ingredient calleed parabens found in most underarm deoderants was detectable in tumor samples taken from 20 breast cancer patients.

Laboratory tests on the tissue showed that chemicals -- used as preservatives -- had built up in the bodies of the breast cancer patients. And the form of the chemicals suggested that they had been absorbed through the skin rather than transmitted through anything the patients had eaten, the researchers added.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has called parabens the most widely used preservatives in the United States, common in shampoos, foundations, facial masks, hair-grooming aids, nail creams, and permanent wave products.

"Parabens are used as preservatives in thousands of cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products, but this is the first study to show their accumulation in human tissues," said Dr. Philippa Darbre of Reading University.

"It demonstrates that if people are exposed to these chemicals, then the chemicals will accumulate in their bodies," she said.

While other researchers noted that the research was preliminary and did not establish a definite link between the chemical and breast cancer, there was widespread agreement that more research should be done.

Other Sources: Journal of Applied Toxicology