Putting a stop to scare stories
Whether they're scurrilous tales about footballers' flings, or seemingly serious safety warnings, email-circulated myths and rumours are part of 21st century life. Now we're helping separate fact from fiction on one of the most frightening fibs of the lot…
Since the late 1990s, reports have flown between inboxes the world over, insisting on a link between underarm antiperspirants and breast cancer. But expert oncologists and leading breast cancer charities have joined forces with our deodorant brands to refute the claims and set the record straight.
A programme of media workshops, where journalists can get impartial information on the story, has been running since the beginning of the year, ensuring the misled message will be openly discussed and fears allayed.
Expert advice
"In the scientific community none of us believe the alleged link between antiperspirants and breast cancer is worth working on because it’s so unlikely to be true," Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Professor Alan Ashworth said at a seminar held in London in May.
"It’s on the level of 'how do I know that the moon isn't made of cheese," he added. "I don't need to start investigating it. It’s that fanciful."
So to set your mind at rest, there is no scientific evidence that the risk of developing breast cancer increases if you use antiperspirants. In fact there's strong evidence to show that antiperspirants are safe and do not cause health problems.
