Antiperspirant and deodorant are not linked to breast cancer.

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One of the most widely circulated Internet rumors can now be put to rest: Women who use deodorant or antiperspirant are not at increased risk for breast cancer.

A study of more than 1,500 women, published in the October 16th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, is the first clinical trial to investigate the purported link.

Some women believe that the products contain harmful substances that the skin absorbs, especially skin irritated or cut by shaving.

Researchers interviewed 813 women with breast cancer and 793 healthy women, aged 20 to 74, about their personal habits. Neither deodorant or antiperspirant raised the risk of breast cancer.

There also was no relationship between underarm shaving and using the products within 1 hour of shaving.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal magazine, October 2002.

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