October 4th, 2017
Breast cancer and Prostate cancer have a lot in common; for example, both cancers are associated with a hormonal cause, both cancers are responsive to hormone deprivation therapies and both cancers are usually managed by their respective hormonal manipulation regimens. It is also important to understand that breast cancer and prostate cancer are the most frequently reported cancers in females and males respectively. There are a number of other similarities as well; for example, the risk of occurrence as well as severity of disease is more aggressive in African- American race when compared to other races.
Fortunately, the world has seen some reduction in the incidence of breast cancer over the course of last decade; especially after a reduction in the prescription and use of hormone replacement therapy after the publication of Woman’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002. On the contrary, the incidence of prostate cancer has increased due to aggressive use of hormone (testosterone) replacement therapies in men. It is safe to conclude that intentional or unintentional; direct or indirect exposure to hormones can also lead to an increased risk of developing breast and prostate cancers.
As discussed previously, hormonal exposure can make you more prone to develop prostate and breast malignancy. This also include some uncommon or rather overlooked sources of hormones such as pheromones or other cutaneous sources such as sweat glands that produces estrogen, estradiol, estrone, androstenedione, testosterone and other hormones. The secretion of these hormones increases when you exert, get stressed out or get stimulated/ emotional along with sweat secretion. In turn, these secretions are expelled out from the apocrine glands to the skin surface; causing no complications.
Generally odorless sweat may produce a peculiar odor after cross-reacting with the bacterial agents present on yourskin. It is no surprise that antiperspirants industry is huge (estimating to be roughly $10 billion in size) and is growing by every day; but according to a new study, use of antiperspirants can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. In fact, it may surprise you that antiperspirants are classified as drugs by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as these agents exert their action by changing the biological functions of the body (especially sweat glands).
Here is how these drugs aggravate the risk of developing malignancy.
That’s why antiperspirants are also referred to as endocrine or hormonal disrupters by Environmental Protection Agency of United States. Here are some risk factors that may explain the risk profile.
There is enough theoretical evidence to back the association of antiperspirant use with an increased risk of developing prostate and breast cancer; yet investigators believe that more evidence-based research is needed to establish a connection.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Elist
Through experience, empathy, and patient empowerment, Dr. Elist offers a comprehensive and detail-oriented treatment plan for every patient. Schedule your consultation to discuss treatments for men in Los Angeles with premier surgeon Dr. James Elist, and begin your journey confident that your best results are just ahead of you.