Parabens can often be found in shampoo (Image: Getty)

Breast cancer link to chemical found in everyday shampoos and soaps women use

by · Daily Record

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A study has revealed that lower doses of a common chemical found in beauty products, such as shampoos and soaps, could be linked to breast cancer.

Despite previous research associating parabens with the condition, this latest study from 2022 suggests that even smaller amounts may pose a risk.

These chemical preservatives, also found in many lotions and sun creams, can disrupt normal hormone functions, particularly during critical periods like puberty and pregnancy.

The chemicals in question promote the production of oestrogen, which mimics the naturally occurring hormone oestradiol; both are associated with breast cancer and reproductive issues. This insight was reported by various American research centres.

What exactly are parabens?

According to the experts at Holland and Barrett, parabens are a chemical compound of para-hydroxybenzoic acid.

They have been used for over 80 years as a preservative in most skincare and beauty products to keep them fresher for longer.

They explain: "Many people use skin creams and lotions every day, dipping our fingers into them and allowing germs from our hands to get into the pots where they can easily multiply. Pair that with a high water content and warm bathroom storage and products would quickly turn bad if it wasn't for preservatives."

Researchers believe exposure to parabens are linked to breast cancer (Image: Getty Images)

Both oestrogen and oestradiol have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive problems in the past, as reported by the Mirror.

Lead investigator Dale Leitman, a gynaecologist and molecular biologist, stated: "Although parabens are known to mimic the growth effects of oestrogens on breast cancer cells, some consider their effect too weak to cause harm.

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"But this might not be true when parabens are combined with other agents that regulate cell growth."

Co-author Chris Vulpe added: "With daily exposure to numerous hormone-like chemicals potentially having cumulative effects, while this study focused on parabens, it's also possible that current testing approaches have underestimated the potency of other oestrogen mimics."

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Catherine Priestley, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Now, commented: "This is incredibly early research. Extensive further study is needed to establish a full understanding of the link between parabens and breast cancer risk.

"It is important for women to remember that while making changes to your lifestyle may help to reduce your risk, they can't prevent breast cancer completely.

"The two main risk factors for breast cancer remain out of our control: being female and getting older."

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