--- title: "Does Deodorant or Antiperspirant Cause Breast Cancer?" description: "Does deodorant or antiperspirant cause breast cancer? What NHS sources say about aluminium, the real risk factors and why you skip deodorant before a mammogram." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-deodorant-cause-breast-cancer/ robots: noindex --- # Does Deodorant or Antiperspirant Cause Breast Cancer? Myths and facts ## Quick answer No. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust says there are no conclusive studies linking the chemicals in deodorants or antiperspirants to breast cancer, and aluminium has not been found to cause it. Deodorant is not on the NHS list of risk factors. You may be asked to skip it before a mammogram, as it can affect the X-ray. Source: [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) **Content updated:** 22 October 2026 . Reviewed by a UK GP for World Aid Network on 22 October 2026 . [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) **How this page is sourced:** health information here comes from NHS, NICE and WHO pages, linked beside each claim. It is general information: a GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. ## Quick facts Link to breast cancer No conclusive studies link the chemicals in deodorants or antiperspirants to breast cancer Source: [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) Aluminium Not found to have oestrogen-like effects or to cause breast cancer Source: [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) On the NHS risk list? No. The NHS lists age, dense breasts, family history, some breast conditions, hormones and lifestyle Source: [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) On mammogram day NHS England asks you not to use deodorant, antiperspirant or talc, as this may affect the mammogram Source: [NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/what-happens-at-your-breast-screening-appointment/) ## Key takeaways - There is no evidence that deodorants, antiperspirants or their ingredients cause cancer, according to The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. [(The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Everything you need to know about breast cancer)](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/everything-you-need-know-about-breast-cancer-breast-cancer-awareness) - Aluminium in antiperspirants has not been found to act like oestrogen or to cause breast cancer. [(The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths)](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) - The NHS says you may be more likely to get breast cancer if you are over 50, have dense breast tissue or have close family who have had breast or ovarian cancer. [(NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) - The mammogram rule is about getting a clear image: talc and spray deodorant may show up as white specks on the X-ray. [(Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Breast screening FAQs)](https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/breast-screening/breast-screening-faqs/) ## Is there a link between deodorant and breast cancer? Some people worry about the chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants. One idea is that traces of aluminium could act like the hormone oestrogen, which can fuel the growth of some breast cancer cells. The Royal Marsden, an NHS cancer hospital in London, says deodorants are considered safe to use. It says there are no conclusive studies linking the chemicals in antiperspirants and deodorants to breast cancer, and that aluminium has not been found to have oestrogen-like effects or to cause breast cancer. Sources: [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths); [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Everything you need to know about breast cancer](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/everything-you-need-know-about-breast-cancer-breast-cancer-awareness) ## What does the NHS say makes breast cancer more likely? The NHS says anyone can get breast cancer and it is not always clear what causes it. You might be more likely to get it if you: - are over 50 - have dense breast tissue - have close family who have had breast or ovarian cancer – you may have inherited a faulty gene, such as a faulty BRCA gene - have certain breast conditions, such as benign breast disease, ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ - have higher levels of hormones such as oestrogen, which can be linked to your periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the contraceptive pill or HRT The NHS also links many breast cancers to lifestyle, such as smoking, and suggests cutting down on alcohol and losing weight if you are overweight. Deodorant and antiperspirant are not on its list. Source: [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) ## Why can’t you wear deodorant to a mammogram? NHS England asks you not to use deodorant, antiperspirant or talcum powder on the day of breast screening, as this may affect the mammogram. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explains that talc and spray-on deodorant may show up as white specks on the X-ray. Advice differs a little across the UK. NHS inform in Scotland says not to use talc or spray-on deodorant before screening, but that roll-on deodorant is fine. If you are unsure, ask your local breast screening service. Sources: [NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/what-happens-at-your-breast-screening-appointment/); [Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Breast screening FAQs](https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/breast-screening/breast-screening-faqs/); [NHS inform (Scotland): Breast screening](https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/breast-screening/) ## Which breast changes should you get checked? Whatever products you use, the NHS says to see a GP or doctor if you notice: - a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit - a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) - a change in skin colour – on white skin it may look red, on black or brown skin it may look darker than usual - a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts - nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it - a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards or a rash on it Some of these changes, including breast lumps, are very common and can be caused by other conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have breast cancer, but it is important to get checked. In the UK, do not wait for your next screening appointment. Sources: [NHS: Symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/); [NHS: Who breast screening is for](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/who-breast-screening-is-for/) ## Frequently asked questions Does antiperspirant cause breast cancer? There is no known link. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust says there are no conclusive studies linking the chemicals in antiperspirants and deodorants to breast cancer, and that aluminium has not been found to cause breast cancer. Source: [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) Is the aluminium in deodorant linked to breast cancer? Some people believe traces of aluminium can act like oestrogen in the body. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust says aluminium has not been found to have oestrogen-like effects or to cause breast cancer, and that deodorants are considered safe to use. Source: [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) Can I use roll-on deodorant before a mammogram? In Scotland, NHS inform says roll-on deodorant is fine, but not to use talc or spray-on deodorant, as these can interfere with the image. NHS England asks you to avoid all deodorant on the day, so check the letter from your local breast screening service. Source: [NHS inform (Scotland): Breast screening](https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/breast-screening/) What does raise breast cancer risk? The NHS lists being over 50, dense breast tissue, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, certain breast conditions and higher hormone levels. To lower your chance, it suggests cutting down on alcohol, losing weight if you are overweight and stopping smoking. Source: [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) When should I see a doctor about a breast change? See a GP or doctor if you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit, or any change in your breasts or nipples that is not normal for you. Most changes are not cancer, but if it is cancer, finding it early may make it easier to treat. Source: [NHS: Symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) ## Sources and references - [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Busting breast cancer myths](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/busting-breast-cancer-myths) - [The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Everything you need to know about breast cancer](https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/everything-you-need-know-about-breast-cancer-breast-cancer-awareness) - [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NHS: What happens at your breast screening appointment](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/what-happens-at-your-breast-screening-appointment/) - [Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Breast screening FAQs](https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/breast-screening/breast-screening-faqs/) - [NHS inform (Scotland): Breast screening](https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/breast-screening/) - [NHS: Symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) - [NHS: Who breast screening is for](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/breast-screening-mammogram/who-breast-screening-is-for/) This page is general information, not medical advice. A GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). ## Related reading - [Breast cancer causes and risk factors →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors/) - [Breast cancer screening →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screening/) - [Breast cancer symptoms →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms/) - [Breast cancer myths →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/blog/breast-cancer-myths/) - [Do underwire bras cause breast cancer? →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/do-underwire-bras-cause-breast-cancer/) - [Mammogram vs ultrasound vs MRI for breast cancer →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/compare/mammogram-vs-ultrasound-vs-mri/) - [NHS vs private mammogram →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/compare/nhs-vs-private-mammogram/) ## More myths and facts answers - [Q Do underwire bras cause breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/do-underwire-bras-cause-breast-cancer/) - [Q Does breast size affect breast cancer risk?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-breast-size-affect-breast-cancer-risk/) - [Q Does caffeine cause breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-caffeine-cause-breast-cancer/) - [Q Can a mammogram cause cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/can-a-mammogram-cause-cancer/) [All answers →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/)