Parabens found in breast cancer tissue samples

New research into parabens has revealed their presence in 99% of breast cancer tissues sampled.

The study, undertaken jointly by researchers from the University of Reading and the University Hospital of South Manchester, focussed on 40 women who were being treated for primary breast cancer.

Four samples were taken from each woman during her mastectomy procedure and were then tested for the presence of parabens.

Parabens have been viewed with suspicion for many years as they have been found to have mild oestrogen-like properties, and oestrogen is one of the hormones involved in the development of breast cancer.

99% contain at least one paraben

This piece of research showed that 99% of breast cancer samples contained at least one paraben and 60% had five parabens.

Revealingly, even women who used paraben-free natural deodorants showed the presence of some parabens. This is a reminder that the use of parabens reaches further than deodorants.

Parabens are also widely used in:

• Shampoo
• Shaving gel
• Toothpaste
• Spray tans
• Make-up
• Pharmaceutical drugs
• Food additives

A recent announcement by the European Commission has proposed a possible ban on parabens in cosmetics.

Further investigation

One of the lead researchers on the study said: ‘The fact that parabens were detected in the majority of breast tissue samples cannot be taken to imply that they actually caused the 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.’