Fact or Myth: Do Parabens Contribute to Breast Cancer?

The link between parabens (parahydroxybenzoic acid) and cancer can no longer be ignored. Widely used as a preservative, parabens are absorbed through your skin, blood and intestines. When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared parabens "generally safe for use," the FDA based their findings on oral consumption of parabens; it did not take into account how much exposure you truly have to these compounds through your skin.

Parabens are known to have estrogenic properties and they mimic the natural estrogen in our bodies. Estrogen is a known component in the development and progression of breast cancer. Manufacturers use parabens to increase the shelf life of packaged goods and to inhibit bacterial growth. Parabens are so prevalent that you may not realize how much you actually absorb on a daily basis.

A University of Reading study published in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Applied Technology found measurable concentrations of parabens in almost 100 % of removed breast tissue. The results showed that at least one paraben was found in 99% of breast cancer tissue with 60% testing positive for five of the most common parabens used. Not all women who participated in the study used underarm deodorant (a product that has spurred cancer controversy for years).

Where is the exposure to parabens coming from? What products contain Parabens?

The parabens are in lotions, shampoo, cosmetics, deodorant, tanning products, shaving cream, toothpaste and mouthwash, pharmaceuticals (prescription and over the counter) and foods. A study done through the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that parabens and cancer cause fertility problems, birth defects, hormone disruption and organ toxicity. Even the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly every urine sample taken from humans contains parabens.

Parabens accumulate in human breast tissue. Your best option is to avoid these compounds whenever possible. Your must read product labels and buy products from companies who take the risk of parabens seriously.

By spotting these parabens and cancer that are on labels with these spellings as- N-propylparaben, Methylparaben, N-butylparaben, Ethylparaben, and Isobutylparaben, you will be lessening your chance of absorbing them into your body. Manufacturers are quick to point out that there is no direct link between specific products containing parabens and cancer. Even though additional research needs to be done to pinpoint which products most directly increase your exposure to parabens, the evidence to date is strong enough to confirm the connection to the compound.