Chemical found in deodorants, face cream and food products is discovered in tumours of ALL breast cancer patients

By Claire Bates

Last updated at 3:09 PM on 12th January 2012

A chemical widely used as a preservative in cosmetics, food products and pharmaceuticals has been found in tissue samples from 40 women with breast cancer.

A number of studies since 1998 have raised concerns about the potential role of these parabens in breast cancer as they possess oestrogenic properties.

Oestrogen is known to play a central role in the development, growth and progression of breast cancer.

Parabens are a chemical compound found in everyday toiletry products including moisturisers, make-up, shaving foam, tanning lotions and toothpaste.

They are also found in numerous brands of underarm deodorant. However, a causal link has never been found between them and breast cancer.

They are present in processed meats such as sausages, pies and pastries along with other savoury snacks.

The research team led by Dr Philippa Darbre from the University of Reading studied tissue samples from 40 women undergoing mastectomies between 2005 and 2008 for first primary breast cancer in England.

In total, 160 samples were collected, four from each woman. They found 99 per cent of the tissue samples contained at least one paraben and 60 per cent of the samples had five.

The team found women who didn't use underarm deodorants still had measurable parabens in their tissue, suggesting they must enter the breast from other sources.

Co-author Mr Lester Barr from the University Hospital of South Manchester, said: 'Our study appears to confirm the view that there is no simple cause and effect relationship between parabens in underarm products and breast cancer.

'The intriguing discovery that parabens are present even in women who have never used underarm products raises the question: where have these chemicals come from?'

Dr Darbre added: 'The fact that parabens were detected in the majority of the breast tissue samples cannot be taken to imply that they actually caused breast cancer in the 40 women studied.

'However, the fact that parabens were present in so many of the breast tissue samples does justify further investigation.'

Research leader Dr Philippa Darbre: She said further investigation was needed into the presence of parabens in breast tissue samples

Responding to research, Catherine Priestley, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care told Mail Online: 'The debate about the link between parabens and breast cancer is not a new one, and this report serves to highlight the need for further research.

'There is currently no conclusive evidence to suggest that the use of products containing parabens is directly linked to the development of breast cancer.

'Whilst there are a number of factors that may slightly increase the risk of a person developing breast cancer, increasing age, gender (being female) and a significant family history are the three main risk factors.

'It is important that people should have access to information on this issue and about their risk factors for breast cancer so that they can make informed lifestyle choices.

'For more information on breast cancer, breast health and risk factors for breast cancer, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000.'