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.
 |
| Underarm risk? No link has been proven between deodorants and breast cancer |
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 coated nuts and 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.'
Chris Flower, director general of the UK's Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association, welcomed the study.
He told BBC News Online: 'It is welcome additional information and we will want to examine the findings in detail.
'However, parabens have a very, very good safety profile. We have an enormous amount of information which supports the safety of these chemicals and their use in cosmetics.' © Daily Mail, London |
E-mail
